Euphol from Euphorbia tirucalli selectively inhibits human gastric cancer cell growth through the induction of ERK1/2-mediated apoptosis

► We isolated and evaluated the anticancer effects of euphol in human gastric cancer. ► Euphol exhibits potent cytotoxicity against human gastric cancer than normal cells. ► Euphol induced sustained ERK1/2 activation in human gastric cancer cells. ► Euphol induced human gastric cancer cell death by ERK1/2-dependent pathway. ► Euphol is potentially for further gastric cancer therapy.