Polyphenolic compounds derived from tea catechins were examined for apoptosis-inducing activity in human histiolytic lymphoma U937 cells. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate, theasinensin D, compound OH-5, theaflavin, and theaflavin digallate induced apoptosis as evidenced by DNA ladder formation, its inhibition by a caspase inhibitor, and chromatin condensation. Theasinensin D was the most potent inducer and the data suggest the importance of the number and three dimensional localization of their phenolic groups in this activity. These apoptosis-inducible compounds may be useful as a cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.