The present invention relates to a method for treating a variety of maladies and conditions; which comprises administering a formulation comprising an effective amount of a pyrone-indole derivative of formula (I):Ar—B—Ar′ (I)wherein Ar represents an indole nucleus ring system:Ar′ represents an alpha-, beta- or gamma-pyrone nucleus ring system:and each of B, R1-4, and R1-2′ are one of the groups as defined herein.