Helenalin-induced apoptosis is dependent on production of reactive oxygen species and independent of induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress in renal cell carcinoma

► Helenalin induces apoptosis in renal carcinoma Caki cells. ► Induction of ER stress by helenalin has no effect on apoptosis. ► Helenalin increases apoptosis via generation of reactive oxygen species. ► Anti-cancer effect of helenalin was even in Bcl-2 overexpressed cells.