Synthesis and antileishmanial activity of novel 5-(5-nitrofuran-2-y1)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles with piperazinyl-linked benzamidine substituents

► Leishmaniasis is a tropical complex infection caused by the genus Leishmania. ► Most drugs currently in use are toxic, expensive and require long-term treatment. ► Novel 5-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles as antileishmanial agents are reported. ► Piperazin-linked benzamidine derivatives were found very active. ► Substitution on amidine nitrogen had profound role in antileishmanial activity.