Lycorine induces cell death in the amitochondriate parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, via an alternative non-apoptotic death pathway

► The alkaloid lycorine was cytotoxic against the amitochondriate Trichomonas vaginalis. ► Important ultrastructural alterations were observed by electron microscopy. ► Lycorine arrested the T. vaginalis cell cycle. ► Similarities to paraptotic cell death were found. ► Our results contribute to the lycorine mechanisms of action on eukaryotic cells.