Inhibitor compounds with biological activity against kinetoplastid parasites, along with methods of use of the compounds, are provided. The compounds can be used to strongly inhibit key drug targets found in protozoan parasites, e.g., the target Trypanosoma cruzi glucokinase. Compounds include derivatives of 3-nitro-2-phenyl-2H-chromene, and monosaccharide amines including D-glucosamine, D-mannosamine, D-galactosamine, and D-fructosamine.