The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds of the general formula (I), as IL-6 inhibitors, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their polymorphs, their hydrates, their solvates, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions, their metabolites and prodrugs thereof. The present invention more particularly provides novel heterocyclic compounds of the general formula (I). Also included is a method for treatment of cancer, cancer cachexia and inflammatory diseases including immunological diseases, particularly those mediated by cytokines such as IL-6, through pSTAT3 inhibition, in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as described above.