Trypanocidal and cytotoxic activities of essential oils from medicinal plants of Northeast of Brazil

► The trypanocidal potential of essential oils from medicinal plants was evaluated. ► The essential oils tested were active against all evolutive forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. ► The essential oil from Lippia sidoides was the most effective against trypomastigotes. ► Lippia origanoides essential oil was the most effective against amastigotes. ► All essential oils were more specific against parasites than mammal cells.