Steroidal saponins have recently attracted attention due to their structural diversity and significant biological activities, including anti‑hyperlipidemic, antibacterial, anti‑inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti‑HIV activities. In the present study, it was demonstrated that WRC3, a novel saponin derivative, can inhibit B16 cancer cells by inducing apoptotic cell death with an IC50 value of 12.09 µM. The inhibitory effect of WRC3 on B16 cells appears to occur in a time‑ and concentration‑dependent manner. The fluorescence distribution observed by confocal microscopy revealed that WRC3 entered cells and acted in the cytoplasm without causing genetic toxicity. Following administration of WRC3 (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g/kg body weight) once a day for 7 days, no obvious abnormalities were observed in the organs of the mice as demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Compared with the normal control group, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine and urea levels in the serum of mice treated with WRC3 (2.5‑7.5 µM) remained unchanged. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that WRC3 can induce cancer cell death without causing genetic toxicity, hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.