Methods and compositions for stimulating neurogenesis and inhibiting neuronal degeneration

A method for stimulating neurogenesis and inhibiting neuronal degeneration in a mammal, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the formula:

• wherein:
• each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, R7, and —O—R7, wherein R7 is a substituted 1-6 carbon alkyl or a 6-14 carbon aryl or aralkyl group;
• R2 is selected from O or S;
• R3 is (CH2)m, wherein m is 1, 2 or 3;
• R4 is selected from the group consisting of an N and (CHn), wherein n equals 1 or 2, with the proviso that when R4 is nitrogen then m in R3 should not be equal to 1;
• R6 is H;
• each R8 is independently —X, —R9, —OR9, —SR9, —N(R9)2, —CN, —NO2, —NC(O)R9, —C(O)R9, —C(O)N(R9)2, —S(O)2R9, —S(O)2NR9, —S(O)R9, —C(O)R9, —C(O)OR9, or —C(O)N(R9)2;
• wherein each X is independently a halogen;
• each R9 is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heterocycle, protecting group or prodrug moiety;
• and
• a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in an amount effective to stimulate neurogenesis and/or inhibit neuronal degeneration in the mammal.