What is "hycanthone"

n. A particular schistosomicide, a metabolite of lucanthone.

Hycanthone is the schistosomicide approved by the FDA in 1975. It is a metabolite of lucanthone. Hycanthone interferes with parasite nerve function, resulting in paralysis and death. This agent also intercalates into DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis in vitro and shows potential antineoplastic activity.