Compounds and methods for treating cancer or inducing apoptosis in proliferating cells. The compounds are shown in formula I:
wherein X is selected from hydroxyl, thiol, and amino; Y is selected from carboxyl and sulfonyl; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, and combinations thereof; R5, R6, and R7 are selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, amino, methoxy, and combinations thereof; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.