Caspase-dependent apoptosis is induced by Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd in a mitochondria-dependent manner after G2/M arrest

► Artemisia afra ethanol crude extract was cytotoxic to HeLa and U937 cancer cells. ► Cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase observed. ► Depolarization of mitochondrial membrane. ► Caspase 8 and 3 activation. ► DNA fragmentation occurred.