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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Automated High-throughput Behavioral Analyses in Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: July 4, 2013
Effect of Cinnamaldehyde Chalcone on Behavior in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): In Silico Approach
Ivana Carneiro Romão1, Sônia Maria Costa Siqueira1, Maria Kueirislene Amâncio Ferreira1
1Laboratório de Bioensaios Químicos-Farmacológicos e Ambiental - LabQFAm, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Ceará, Campus do Itaperi, 60714-242, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Abstract:
The study focuses on the anxiolytic potential of chalcone (2E,4E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one (CHALCNM) in adult zebrafish. Successfully synthesized in 58 % yield, CHALCNM demonstrated no toxicity after 96 h of exposure. In behavioral tests, CHALCNM (40 mg/kg) reduced locomotor activity and promoted less anxious behavior in zebrafish, confirmed by increased permanence in the light zone of the aquarium. Flumazenil reversed its anxiolytic effect, indicating interaction with GABAA receptors. Furthermore, CHALCNM (4 and 20 mg/kg) preserved zebrafish memory in inhibitory avoidance tests. Virtual screening and ADMET profile studies suggest high oral bioavailability, access to the CNS, favored by low topological polarity (TPSA≤75 Å2) and low incidence of hepatotoxicity, standing out as a promising pharmacological agent against the GABAergic system. In molecular coupling, CHALCNM demonstrated superior affinity to diazepam for the GABAA receptor. These results reinforce the therapeutic potential of CHALCNM in the treatment of anxiety, highlighting its possible future clinical application.
