Synthesis and Antitrypanosomastid Activity of 1,4-Diaryl-1,2,3-triazole Analogues of Neolignans Veraguensin, Grandisin and Machilin G

Sixteen 1,4-diaryl-1,2,3-triazole compounds derived from the natural products veraguensin, grandisin and machilin G were synthesized, with yields of 78-92%. Biological activity tests against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes showed that three of these compounds were the most active, with maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 1.1, 3.71 and 7.23 mu M. One compound was highly active against Leishmania infantum, with an IC50 value of 5.2 mu M, and one derivative showed an IC50 value of 28.6 mu M against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. Regarding structure-activity relationship (SAR), hybrid 1,2,3-triazolic compounds containing a methylenedioxy group, showed the best antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities.