Abstract: This invention describes the novel use of alkyl, alkoxyl, halogenyl, or hydroxy substituted dicinnamoylquinides as therapeutic agents for enhancing adenosine levels in the brain and peripheral organs. These agents are particularly useful in treating human diseases or conditions that benefit from acute or chronic elevated levels of adenosine, such as reperfusion injury, coronary or cerebral ischemia, coronary vasoconstriction, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, hypertension, wound healing, diabetes, inflammation, or sleep disturbances. They can also be used to protect normal cells from chemotoxicity in patients undergoing cancer therapy, and reverse the behavioral effects of caffeine intake.