Styrylpyrone, isolated from an Amazon plant, induces cell cycle arrest and autophagy in .

The search for bioactive compounds against diseases is imperative and the richness of the Amazon provides a large source to be explored. Current therapies for the treatment of parasitic infections have severe side effects and low efficacy, which makes the development of an effective chemotherapy extremely important. In this study, we describe the isolation of styrylpyrone 4-methoxy-6-(11,12-methylenedioxy-trans-styryl)-2-pyrone (SP), from the Amazonian tree species, , the activity against promastigotes, and its pharmacokinetics properties. The results showed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, cell cycle impairment, increased reactive oxygen species production, accumulation of lipid bodies and formation of autophagic vacuoles in SP-treated parasites. studies revealed that the compound has a high drug-score, which is encouraging for further investigation. Our results indicate that SP is a promising drug candidate, which induces alterations in leading to parasite death through cell cycle arrest and autophagy.