Cells treated with 18α - GA significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in a dose - dependent manner , with an IC 50 value of 100 [UNK] at 48 h . The cell growth inhibition resulted in induction of apoptosis and decreased the mitochondria membrane potential ( ∆Ψ m ) and increased caspase - 8 , - 9 and - 3 activities .