Structure modifications of 2-phenylquinoline by Aspergillus genera produce novel derivatives with potent leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties

•Biotransformation of 2-phenylquinoline by microorganisms was used as a strategy to obtain quinolinic derivatives as anti-leishmania agents.•5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy-2-phenylquinoline and 4’-hydroxy-2-phenylquinoline were produced, respectively, by Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus, and spectroscopically characterized.•5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy-2-phenylquinoline is a new diol for the first time reported.•Both substances hit promastigote forms of three Leishmanias spp. in assays for leishmanicidal activity.•In assays for biological properties within an inflammatory context present in leishmaniasis, both presented significant unreported anti-inflammatory properties.