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.

This might come from differences in the configuration of active center between schistosome and mammalian AChE enzymes.

[2] Hycanthone is shown to intercalate into DNA and inhibit RNA synthesis in vitro.

[citation needed] Hycanthone is a dose-dependent hepatotoxin,[3] causing hepatocellular injury.