Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of new chalcones

Synthesis of a cytotoxic dihydrochalcone, first isolated from a traditional Amazonian medicinal plant Iryanthera juruensis Warb (Myristicaceae), followed by a comprehensive SAR analysis of saturated and unsaturated chalcone synthetic intermediates, led to the identification of analogues with selective and significant in vitro anti- Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Further SAR studies were undertaken with the synthesis of 21 new Chalcones containing two allyloxy moieties that resulted in the discovery of 2',4'-diallyloxy-6'-methoxy Chalcones with improved selectivity against this Parasite at concentrations below 25 microM, four of which exhibited a selectivity index greater than 12.