4-nitrobenzoylcoumarin potentiates the antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects of benznidazole in a murine model of acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection

•The antiparasitic relevance of a new coumarin compound was investigated in experimental acute Chagas disease.•4-nitrobenzoylcoumarin and benznidazole were administered alone and combined.•4-nitrobenzoylcoumarin reduced parasitemia, parasitic load and heart inflammation.•Antitrypanosomal and anti-inflammatory effects were potentiated combining this drugs.•4-nitrobenzoylcoumarin combined with benznidazole induced marked cardioprotection.