Baicalein prevents stress-induced anxiety behaviors in zebrafish model

Abstract

Baicalein is a flavonoid mainly obtained from plants with wide range of biological activities, including neuroprotection. An acute and unexpected chronic stress (UCS) protocol has recently been adapted to zebrafish, a popular vertebrate model in brain research. The present study was aimed to evaluate baicalein’s anti-anxiety potential in a zebrafish model by induction, which included neuropharmacological evaluation to determine behavioural parameters in the novel tank diving test (NTDT) and light-dark preference test (LDPT). The toxicity was also assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay, and the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) was determined. The animals were then stressed for 7 days before being treated with different doses of baicalein (1 and 2 mg/L) for another 7 days in UCS condition. Due to acute stress and UCS, the frequency of entries and time spent in the 1) top region and 2) light area of the novel tank reduced significantly, indicating the existence of elevated anxiety levels. The biological activity of baicalein was demonstrated by its high LC50 values (1,000 μg/ml). Additionally, baicalein administration increased the frequency of entries and duration spent in the light region, indicating a significant decrease in anxiety levels. Overall, the present results showed that baicalein has a therapeutic advantage in reversing the detrimental consequences of UCS and acute stress, making it is a promising lead molecule for new drug design, development, and therapy for stress.

Benincasa hispida Alleviates Stress and Anxiety in a Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model

“…Polyphenolics and flavonoid compounds are found in almost every plant, including fruits, flowers, seeds, and vegetables. In rodent models, a variety of important flavonoids derived from fruits and plants have shown promising preclinical effects on emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety [ 49 ]. Zebrafish, a non-human animal, have advantages in modeling brain illnesses since they share behavioral features, genetic factors, and pharmacological sensitivity with rat models.…”

Zebrafish Model in Illuminating the Complexities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: A Unique Research Tool

“…Zebrafish are increasingly recognized as a promising model organism for anxiety and stress research due to their dependable and easily measurable cortisol stress response [58][59][60]. Zebrafish can experience acute stress upon exposure to air, changing water PH, salinity, temperature, crowding, handling, or exposure to bright light [13].…”

“…Moreover, zebrafish have been used as a model for anxiety in relation to different exposures [60,65,66]. Baicalein, a plant flavonoid, contributes to many biological processes, including neuroprotection [67].…”

The possible role furin and furin inhibitors in endometrial adenocarcinoma: A narrative review

“…Baicalein is a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellaria balacalensis , has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects 125 . Baicalein is regarded as an allosteric modulator of benzodiazepine receptors, and inhibits lipooxygenase 126 . It has been observed that baicalein has anticancer properties by numerous molecular mechanisms including inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and MAPK 127 .…”

“… 125 Baicalein is regarded as an allosteric modulator of benzodiazepine receptors, and inhibits lipooxygenase. 126 It has been observed that baicalein has anticancer properties by numerous molecular mechanisms including inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and MAPK. 127 Furthermore, baicalein inhibits adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor 6, which promotes the proliferation and invasion of endometrial cancer cells.…”