Hycanthone is the schistosomicide approved by the FDA in 1975. It is a metabolite of lucanthone. Hycanthone interferes with parasite nerve function, resulting in paralysis and death. This agent also intercalates into DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis in vitro and shows potential antineoplastic activity.[1]
Anti-schistosomal activity
Hycanthone is shown to be an effective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Schistosoma mansoni, but is less potential against AChE from mammalian origin. This might come from differences in the configuration of active center between schistosome and mammalian AChE enzymes.[2]
^Hillman GR, Senft AW (September 1975). "Anticholinergic properties of the antischistosomal drug hycanthone". The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 24 (5): 827–34. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.1975.24.827. PMID1190369.
^Teoh NC, Chitturi S, Farrell GC (2010). "Chapter 86: Liver Disease Caused by Drugs". In Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ (eds.). Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Vol. 2 (Ninth ed.). Saunders Elsevier. pp. 1413–1446. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4160-6189-2.00086-X. ISBN978-1-4160-6189-2.
^Stine JG, Lewis JH (2013). "Hepatotoxicity of Antibiotics: A Review and Update for the Clinician". Clinics in Liver Disease. 17 (4): 609–642. doi:10.1016/j.cld.2013.07.008. PMID24099021.
^Schutt AJ, Dalton RJ, Kovach JS, Moertel CG, O'Connell MJ (June 1983). "Phase II study of hycanthone in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma". Cancer Treatment Reports. 67 (6): 593–4. PMID6861166.