Abstract: A method is provided for preserving tissues during removal storage and implantation by enhancing cell viability in a population of graft cells during the transplantation procedure The method includes selecting an effective dose of a cyclopentanophenanthrene compound having a terminal phenol A ring in a physiologically acceptable formulation and exposing at least one of: a donor at an effective dose prior to removal of the cells; the population of cells in an ex vivo storage medium;, and a recipient tissue at an effective time prior to association with the donor graft cells; so as to confer cytoprotection on the population of graft cells.