Antiproliferation of HeLa cells by 3,4,5-trihydroxy-N-[2-p-tolylethyl]-benzamide is associated with induction of DNA damage and inhibition of DNA replication

► The THTEB is one of the derivatives of tyrosol, which is p-tyrosol combined with gallic acid by an amide bond. ► THTEB displayed a significant antiproliferative effect on HeLa cells. ► Cell cycle analysis revealed that THTEB could arrest HeLa cells in the S phase. ► We found severe DNA damage caused by THTEB by using alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis.