The present invention relates to methods for enhancing Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF) activity in a cell by contacting the cell with any one of the following compounds: 3,6-bis[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-9h-xanthen-9-onedihydrochloride, 2,8-bis[dimethylaminoacetyl]dibenzofurin dihydrochloride hydrate, tilorone analog R-9536-DA, indoprofen, ciclopiroxolamine, tryptophan, ansindione, nabumetone, oxybendazole, albendazole, tropicamide, pramoxine hydrochloride, atenolol, mebendazole, carbetapentane citrate, monensin sodium, methoxyvone, hydroxyzine, phenazopyridine, clofoctol, ipraflavone, zomepirac, biochanin A, xylometazoline hydrochloride, fenbendazole, pirenzepine, triprolidine hydrochloride, daidzein, tripelennamine citrate, colchicines, aminopyridine, trimethoprim, helenine, hydroxyurea, amiodarone hydrochloride, clindamycin hydrochloride, sulfachlorpyridazine, mephenesin, semustine, clofivric acid, clofibrate, ibuprofen, hyoscyamime, nafcillin sodium, piperin, clidinium bromide, trioxsalen, hydralazine and HIF alpha protein fused to a carrier peptide.