Synthesis and antimalarial activity of some neocryptolepine analogues carrying a multifunctional linear and branched carbon-side chains

The synthesis and in vitro antimalarial activity of several neocryptolepine analogues carrying either a linear or branched dibasic side chain at C11 are described. Many of these neocryptolepine analogues have low nanomolar antimalarial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum strain (NF54). The data also dernonstrated that a branched structural motif is not superior for antimalarial activity over a linear side chain, but their thioureido derivatives showed lower cytotoxicity than the linear one. Ureido and thioureido derivatives also showed stronger beta-haematin inhibition than the corresponding free amines