Anthraquinone compounds and their uses

A method for treating a disorder caused by or associated with dysfunctional ion channel activity in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having the general formula (I):

• wherein in (I);
• (i) R1-R4 and R7 are each a hydrogen atom;
• (ii) R5 is an amine;
• (iii) R8 is a secondary amine and
• (iv) R6 is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonate and a carboxyl group.

A method for treating a smooth muscle tone disorder or a smooth muscle contraction disorder in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical effective amount of a compound having the general formula (IE):

• wherein in (IE):
• R2′ is a trifluoromethyl group,
• each of R1′, and R3′-R5′ is a hydrogen atom, and
• R1-R4 and R7 are each a hydrogen atom.

A method for treating a smooth muscle tone disorder or a smooth muscle contraction disorder in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical effective amount of a compound having the general formula (IB):

• wherein in (IB):
• R2′ is a trifluoromethyl group,
• each of R1′, and R3′-R5′ is a hydrogen atom, and
• R1-R4 and R7 are each a hydrogen atom.