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

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.