Cell Death Mechanisms of the Promising Anticancer Compound Gallotannin

Abstract

The polyphenolic hydrolyzable tannin, gallotannin (GT), also known as tannic acid, possesses interesting anticarcinogenic properties. An evidence from experimental studies suggests that GT is effective against multiple cancer types. Gallotannin has been shown to induce programmed cell death in a wide variety of cancers including colon, breast, prostate, and liver, among others. Apoptosis, cellular senescence, autophagy, and necrosis are the main mechanisms by which GT can suppress cancer progression. In addition, GT is a potent inhibitor of many proliferation pathways. Herein, this chapter provides a summary of our current knowledge about GT's programmed cell death mechanisms against cancer.