Provided herewith is a compound that reacts with a reactive lipid species to form a non- toxic product or an active product. Also provided is a method of reducing a reactive lipid species. Additionally provided is a method of treating a mitochondrion in a patient comprising a mitochondrial dysfunction. In other embodiments, a compound is provided that reacts with an activating agent present at a mitochondrion to form an active product that inhibits or enhances the opening of a mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). In additional embodiments, a method of inhibiting or enhancing the opening of an MPTP is provided. Further provided is a nonpolar compound capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS).
