Anxiolytic Effect of the Chalcone (2E)-1-(4′-aminophenyl)-3-furan-2-yl-prop-2-en-1-one in Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ): Involvement of the 5-HT System
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Chalcones constitute a relevant class of flavonoids with diverse pharmacological potential, including activity in the central nervous system. In this study, the anxiolytic potential of the chalcone (2E)-1-(4′-aminophenyl)-3-furan-2-yl-prop-2-en-1-one (CPAfurf) was investigated through in vivo and in silico assays using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Molecular docking studies revealed a significant affinity of CPAfurf for the serotonergic receptors 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT3A, with interaction patterns similar to reference antagonists. In acute toxicity tests, the molecule showed no toxic effects at the evaluated doses (LD50 > 40 mg/kg). In behavioral assays, CPAfurf demonstrated a consistent anxiolytic effect, evidenced by an increased time spent in the light zone and greater exploration of the upper region of the tank, with minimal interference in locomotion at low concentrations. Furthermore, the anxiolytic effect was reversed by pretreatment with serotonergic antagonists, indicating the direct involvement of the 5-HT pathway, especially the 5-HT3A receptors. Taken together, the findings suggest that the chalcone CPAfurf presents potential as a serotonergic modulator and a promising bioactive compound candidate for the development of new anxiolytic agents with a reduced toxicity profile.
Source: ACS Chemical Neuroscience
Authors: Amauri Barbosa Silva Junior, Arnaldo Solheiro Bezerra, Antônio Wlisses da Silva, Emanuela de Lima Rebouças Borges, Levi Magalhães Gurgel Macêdo, Yago Kayan de Souza Lima, Cláudia Régia Martins de Araújo, Erick Patrick Alves Moreira, Damião Sampaio de Sousa, Marcia Machado Marinho, Emmanuel Silva Marinho, Hélcio Silva dos Santos, Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W7225641434