Trypanocidal activity of South American Vernonieae (Asteraceae) extracts and its sesquiterpene lactones.

Chagas disease is caused by and affects the poorest population in the Americas. Fourteen plant extracts and seventeen sesquiterpene lactones from the tribe Vernonieae (Asteraceae), were evaluated for the first time against . Cytotoxicity employing HeLa cells was also assessed.

Antiparasitic activity of two Brazilian plants: and .

Parasitoses are very common throughout the world, generating serious consequences for public health. Leishmaniosis and giardiasis are examples of fairly recurrent, but neglected diseases. Several higher plants have demonstrated promising activity against the parasites.

Active sesquiterpene lactones against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis.

Seventeen sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) isolated from five species of the tribe Vernonieae were evaluated for their in vitro activity against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. Additionally, a quantitative structure activity relationship has been made, since all these natural compounds were found to have potent to mild antileishmanial properties. The most active compounds against L.