Anxiolytic-like effect of chrysophanol from Senna cana stem in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of chrysophanol (CHRY), isolated from hexane extract of Senna cana stem and its possible mechanism of action. CHRY was obtained through chromatographic treatments and its identity was confirmed by uni and bidimensional RMN¹H and RMN¹³C. Adult zebrafish (n = 6/group) were treated (with CHRY (4.0 or 12.0 or 40.0 mg/Kg; 20 µL; intraperitoneally) and submitted to acute toxicity and open field tests. Subsequently, other groups (n = 6/each) received CHRY for the analysis of its effect on the Light & Dark Test. The participation of the GABAergic system was also assessed using the diazepam (GABA_A receptor agonist) and flumazenil (GABA_A receptor antagonist). CHRY was considered non-toxic, it did not reduce the locomotor activity, and showed an anxiolytic-like effect. This effect was reduced by pre-treatment with flumazenil. The results suggest that CHRY is an anxiolytic-like agent mediated via the GABAergic system.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Senna
• chrysophanol
• diazepam
• adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
• anxiolytic-like effect
• GABAergic system

Acknowledgments

 

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are extremely grateful to INCT BioNat (CNPq 465637/2014-0/FAPESP 2014/50926-0) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for all the financial support provided in the conduct of this research.