Isaothiazoloanthrones, isooxazoloanthrones, isoindolanthrones, and derivatives thereof having the general formula: ##STR00001## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R.sub.0 is --CH.sub.2--, --SO--, --O--, --SO.sub.2--, or --S--; compositions comprising the iazoloanthrones, isooxazoloanthrones, isoindolanthrones, and derivatives thereof; and methods for treating or preventing a disorder alleviated by inhibiting Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by administering the isaothiazoloanthrones, isooxazoloanthrones, isoindolanthrones, and derivatives thereof are described herein.