Enhancement of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and theaflavin-3-3′-digallate induced apoptosis by ascorbic acid in human lung adenocarcinoma SPC-A-1 cells and esophageal carcinoma Eca-109 cells via MAPK pathways.

Highlights: [•] Vc can enhance the effect of EGCG or TF3 on inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. [•] EGCG or TF3 with Vc significantly increased activity of caspase-3/9 in cancer cells. [•] EGCG or TF3 with Vc induced apoptosis through different MAPK pathways in two cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]