In vitro activity of 2-alkyl-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones against Theileria parva

Abstract
A variety of naphthoquinones have been prepared and evaluated in vitro against the causative agent of the cattle disease East Coast Fever (T. parva) infection. It is concluded from structure-activity studies that a 2-hydroxyl moiety is essential for high activity. The most active compounds tested were 2-hydroxy-3-alkyl-1,4-naphthoquinones in which the alkyl moiety was cyclohexyl, cyclohexylcyclohexyl, tridecyl or tetradecyl.