Efficacy of the 7-chloro-4-(3-hydroxy-benzilidenehydrazo)quinoline derivative against infection caused by Leishmania amazonensis

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The drugs currently available for leishmaniasis treatment have major limitations. METHODS: In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the effect of a quinoline derivative, Hydraqui (7-chloro-4-(3-hydroxy-benzilidenehydrazo)quinoline, against Leishmania amazonensis. In silico analyses of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) parameters were performed. RESULTS: Hydraqui showed significant in vitro anti-amastigote activity. Also, Hydraqui-treated mice exhibited high efficacy in lesion size (48.3%) and parasitic load (93.8%) reduction, did not cause hepatic and renal toxicity, and showed appropriate ADMET properties. CONCLUSIONS: Hydraqui presents a set of satisfactory criteria for its application as an antileishmanial agent.