There is provided now flavonoid compounds, compositions containing these compounds, methods for their synthesis, and uses of these compounds. In particular, there is provided methods of preventing and or mitigating the damage caused by cell apoptosis or cell necrosis by administration of the novel flavonoid compounds. In some aspects, there is provided methods for inhibiting pro-apoptotic signalling kinases activity in a subject while regulating and activating extracelluar signal regulated kinase (ERK).