Chemotherapeutic and Toxicological Properties of Antimonyl Tartrate-Dimethylcysteine Chelates

Summary Following our observation that dimethylcysteine (DMC) detoxifies without inactivating arsenicals and antimonials, DMC chelates formed with antimonyl tartrates were investigated for toxicity and activity against S. mansoni, T. equiperdum, T. venezuelense. On basis of Sb content the chelates maintained the higher order of activity of the antimonyl tartrates, while their toxicity was considerably reduced. It is suggested that besides the magnitude of the relative safety margin, the absolute (minimal) amount of Sb required for effectiveness may be a factor reflecting clinical usefulness.