Abstract A novel series of 3-cinnamoyl-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-ones were designed, synthesized and screened for antiplasmodial activity. Eleven compounds of the series exhibited micromolar potency against chloroquine sensitive and chloroquine resistant strains. The most potent compound 4-hydroxy-3-(3-(4-nitrophenyl) acryloyl)-2H-chromen-2- one showed inhibitory potency (IC 50) of 3.1 and 4 μg/ml against chloroquine sensitive ...