Synthesis and antiparasitic activity of albendazole and mebendazole analogues.

Abstract Albendazole (Abz) and Mebendazole (Mbz) analogues have been synthesized and in vitro tested against the protozoa Giardia lamblia , Trichomonas vaginalis and the helminths Trichinella spiralis and Caenorhabditis elegans . Results indicate that compounds 4a , 4b (Abz analogues), 12b and 20 (Mbz analogues) are as active as antiprotozoal agents as Metronidazole against G. lamblia . Compound 9 was 58 times more active than Abz against T. vaginalis . Compounds 8 and 4a also shown high activity against this protozoan. Compounds 4b and 5a were as active as Abz. None of the Mbz analogues showed activity against T. vaginalis . The anthelmintic activity presented by these compounds was poor.