Synthesis, characterization and screening for antidepressant and anticonvulsant activity of 4,5-dihydropyrazole bearing indole derivatives

In the present study, a series of new substituted 5-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-3-(phenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazoline derivatives (2a–m) have been synthesized with good yield by microwave assisted synthesis. The compounds synthesized were screened for antidepressant and anticonvulsant potentialities in mice by a forced swim test and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test, respectively. Neuro-toxicities were determined by rotarod test in albino mice. The structures of all new compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectral data, and microanalyses. The results revealed that compounds 2b, 2e and 2k were found to be potent antidepressant molecules of the series, at 20 mg/kg dose level when compared with the reference drugs imipramine and fluoxetine. Whereas, compounds 2c and 2d were found to be potent anticonvulsant molecules of this series, when compared with the reference drug diazepam. None of the synthesized compounds showed neurotoxicity.