Apigenin induces apoptosis via tumor necrosis factor receptor- and Bcl-2-mediated pathway and enhances susceptibility of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin

► Apigenin protected BNLCL2 cells against oxidative damage. ► Apigenin induced HNSCC cell apoptosis via TNF-R and TRAIL-R signaling pathways. ► Apigenin induced cell apoptosis by generating oxidative stress. ► The combinatory use of apigenin with 5-Fu or cisplatin accelerated apoptotic cell death.