Anxiolytic and Anticonvulsant Effects of Fisetin Isolated from Bauhinia pentandra on Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Anxiety and epilepsy are common worldwide and represent a primary global health concern. Fisetin, a flavonoid isolated from Bauhinia pentandra, has a wide range of biological activities may be a promising alternative to combat diseases related to the central nervous system (CNS). The present study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of fisetin on adult zebrafish. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were performed to improve the results. Fisetin did not present toxicity and caused anxiolytic behavior and delayed seizures in animals. This effect may occur through serotonin neurotransmission at 5‐HT3A and/or 5‐HT3B receptors. Molecular docking simulations showed that fisetin interacts with the orthosteric site of the 5‐HT3A receptor with strong H‐bond interactions with the Trp156 residue, with a strong contribution from the catechol ring, a behavior similar to that of the antagonist co‐crystallized inhibitor granisetron (CWB). Fisetin may be a promising alternative to combat diseases related to the central nervous system. Keywords anxiety • Bauhinia pentandra • Danio rerio • epilepsy • fisetin