Sustainable Antiparasitic Agents from an Agro-Industrial Waste: Mitochondria-Targeting Cashew Nutshell Liquid-Derived Phosphonium and Ammonium Salts

J Med Chem. 2025 Sep 25;68(18):19438-19462. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c01617. Epub 2025 Sep 8.

Abstract

Innovative, sustainable therapies are urgently needed for neglected vector-borne parasitic diseases. In this study, we leveraged cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), an agro-industrial byproduct, to develop biobased phosphonium and ammonium salts (5-25) targeting parasite mitochondria. By combining CNSL-derived C8 alkyl chains with lipophilic cations, we synthesized novel compounds exhibiting highly potent in vitro and ex vivo activity against Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp., including veterinary-relevant strains like T. b. evansi and T. b. equiperdum. Compounds 5 and 7 outperformed reference drugs, demonstrating subnanomolar efficacy against Trypanosoma brucei spp., high selectivity indices (>1000), and no cross-resistance with current therapies, underscoring their potential as next-generation antitrypanosomal agents. Reduced activity against T. brucei overexpressing alternative oxidase and against Trypanosoma congolense supports a mitochondrial mechanism. Preliminary bioassays in zebrafish and Daphnia magna indicated ecotoxicity lower than antiparasitic activity. These CNSL-derived agents represent promising, environmentally safer antiparasitic candidates aligned with One Health and Green Chemistry principles.

MeSH terms

  • Anacardium* / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Antiparasitic Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antiparasitic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antiparasitic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Daphnia / drug effects
  • Leishmania / drug effects
  • Mitochondria* / drug effects
  • Mitochondria* / metabolism
  • Organophosphorus Compounds* / chemical synthesis
  • Organophosphorus Compounds* / chemistry
  • Organophosphorus Compounds* / pharmacology
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds* / chemistry
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds* / pharmacology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Trypanocidal Agents / chemistry
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology
  • Trypanosoma / drug effects
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / drug effects

Substances

  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Trypanocidal Agents