The evaluation of quinonoid compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi: Synthesis of imidazolic anthraquinones, nor-β-lapachone derivatives and β-lapachone-based 1,2,3-triazoles Original Research Article

In continuing our screening program of naphthoquinone activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas’ disease, new β-lapachone-based 1,2,3-triazoles, 3-arylamino-nor-β-lapachones, 3-alkoxy-nor-β-lapachones and imidazole anthraquinones were synthesised and evaluated against bloodstream trypomastigote forms of the parasite. Compounds 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,4-dibromophenylamino)-2,3-dihydro-naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione, IC50/24 h 24.9 ± 7.4 and 4-azido-3-bromo-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione with 23.4 ± 3.8 μM showed a trypanosomicidal activity higher than benznidazole. These results demonstrate the potential of naphthoquinone derivatives as novel structures for the development of alternative drugs for Chagas’ disease.