Neferine induces reactive oxygen species mediated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in HepG2 cells

► We examined the cytotoxic effect of neferine on human liver cancer cell line HepG2. ► Neferine exerts cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. ► Neferine exerts anticancer potential via mitochondrial mediated ROS. ► Neferine induces the cleavage of caspase 9 & 3 and DNA fragmentation. ► Dietary intake of neferine will give protection against liver cancer.