Objective:To study the effects of 6-Shogao at different concentrations on the apoptosis of human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells,and discuss its mechanism. MethodsThe BGC-823 cells were treated with 6-Shogao at concentrations of 0,10,20 and 50 μmol/L for 24 hours,respectively. The morphological changes of cells were observed by inverted microscope. The viability of BGC-823 cells in each group was detected by MTT assay. The early apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The changes on the expression of apoptosis related proteins including P53,cleaved-poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1(cleaved-PARP-1),pro-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(pro-Caspase-3)and cleaved-Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot.  Results:6-Shogao showed the significant inhibitory effect on the growth of BGC-823 cells. Compared with the control group,the inhibition rate and early apoptosis rate of cells were increased significantly in the 6-Shogao-treated groups with different concentrations(P<0.05,P<0.01),in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of Western blot showed that 6-Shogao could increase the protein expressions of P53,cleaved-Caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP-1 and decrease the pro-Caspase-3 protein expression in BGC-823 cells(P<0.05,P<0.01).  Conclusion:6-Shogao can induce BGC-823 cells apoptosis. Its mechanism may be associated with Caspase-3 mediated apoptosis pathway.