The present invention is directed to a process for conferring cytoprotection on a population of cells which comprises administering to that population of cells a compound comprising a hydroxy-substituted aromatic ring structure and a non-fused polycyclic, hydrophobic substituent attached thereto. In particular, the present invention is directed to such a process wherein the administered compound is phenolic, such as a steriod (e.g., estrogen), and has a non-fused polycyclic, hydrophobic substituent attached to the hydroxy-substituted A-ring thereof.
