A series of 2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzimidazole derivatives (1a-1i) were synthesized via Phillips cyclocondensation of a substituted 1,2-phenylenediamine and trifluoroacetic acid. The synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro against various protozoan parasites: Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis and Leishmania mexicana, and they showed nanomolar activities against the first three protozoa tested. The compounds were also tested in vitro and in vivo against the nematode Trichinella spiralis. Compounds 1b, 1c and 1e had the most desirable in vitro antiparasitic profile against all parasites studied. In the in vivo model against T. spiralis, compounds 1b and 1e showed good activity against the adult phase at 75 mg/Kg. However, against the muscle larvae stage, only compound 1f exhibited in vivo antiparasitic efficacy.
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