Trypanocidal effect of boldine and related alkaloids upon several strains of Trypanosoma cruzi.

The alkaloids boldine, glaucine, predicentrine, apomorphine, coclaurine, norarmepavine and codeine were tested against the epimastigotes of the Tulahuén and LQ strains and the DM 28c clone of Trypanosoma cruzi. The micromolar concentration to inhibit 50% of the culture growth (Tulahuén strain) for apomorphine, glaucine, predicentrine, boldine, norarmepavine, coclaurine and codeine were 29, 90, 85, 110, 310, 580 and > 1000 respectively. Similar values were obtained with the LQ strain and the DM 28c clone. The most active compounds in inhibiting culture growth also inhibited cell respiration, suggesting that these drugs may act by blocking mitochondrial electron transport. The trypanocidal effects of these alkaloids appear to be correlated with their antioxidative activities.