Gallic acid and gallates with the same number of hydroxyl groups and varying the length of the side carbon chain, with respective lipophilicity being defined through the C logP values, were examined for their ability to induce apoptosis (through the DNA ladder fragmentation pattern), mitochondrial and cytoplasmic GSH depletion and NF-kappa B activation in murine lymphoblastic L1210 leukemia cells. A relationship between cytotoxic effect and a limited degree of lipophilicity was observed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.