IN-VITRO ANTIPLASMODIAL EFFECTS OF DIOSPYRIN, A PLANT-DERIVED NAPHTHOQUINOID, AND A NOVEL SERIES OF DERIVATIVES

Synthesis of derivatives of diospyrin, a natural product, has led to t he modification of its tumour-inhibitory effect, in vitro, towards Ehr lich ascites carcinoma and antiparasitic activity against Leishmania d onovani in vitro, The present study shows that two of these novel hydr oquinoid analogues derived from diospyrin also show enhanced inhibitor y effects against Plasmodium falciparum, in vitro, and may be a useful model for the development of novel antimalarial drugs.