Discovery of a new antileishmanial hit in 8-nitroquinoline series

► A series of 2-substituted nitroquinolines was prepared and studied concerning their in vitro antileishmanial properties. ► The 2-hydroxy-8-nitroquinoline (molecule 21) appeared as a hit molecule on both pro- and amastigotes stages of L. donovani. ► Hit molecule 21, non-toxic on 2 different cell lines also appeared as a selective anti-infectious agent among protozoa.