In vitro and in vivo studies on antitumor effects of gossypol on human stomach adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line and MNNG induced experimental gastric cancer

► Gossypol is a well known polyphenolic compound used for anticancer studies but we are the first to report that gossypol has antitumor effect on MNNG induced gastric cancer in experimental animal models. ► Our study shows that gossypol inhibits the proliferation of AGS (human gastric adenocarcinoma) cell line. ► In animal models, gossypol extends the survival of cancer bearing animals and also protects the cells from carcinogenic effect. ► So we suggest that gossypol would be a potential chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agent for gastric cancer.