The present invention provides a method of inducing apoptosis in target cells of a subject by administering, to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one compound of the formula: wherein: R1 is hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 substituted alkyl, C3-C7 heterocycle, or C3-C7 substituted heterocycle, R2 and R3 are independently H or C1-C12 alkyl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof, wherein following the administration of the compound of Formula I, the target cell is caused to undergo apoptosis.