Plant-derived alkaloids active against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Six plant-derived simple beta-carboline alkaloids and eight other plant derivatives were tested for activity against the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, the organism responsible for Chagas' disease. The plant alkaloids in this study were screened using an in vitro test against epimastigotes. Four beta-carboline indoles, a complex indole and five other alkaloids significantly reduced population growth of T. cruzi (Costa Rica strain) epimastigote forms at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml or less.