A method for providing neuroprotection to a patient in need of neuroprotection, comprising administering a neuroprotective-effective amount of a compound of formula I
- in which X is an oxygen atom or an ═N—OH group,
- R is selected from the group consisting of
- A is a hydrogen atom or together with B a carbon-carbon bond,
- B is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or together with A a carbon-carbon bond,
- C is a hydrogen atom or together with D a carbon-carbon bond,
- D is a hydrogen atom or together with C a carbon-carbon bond,
- E is a hydrogen atom or together with F a carbon-carbon bond,
- F is a hydrogen atom or together with E a carbon-carbon bond,
- or an addition salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid.