Structural and spectroscopic analysis, ADMET study, and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) of 4′-[(1E,2E)-1-(2-(2′,4′-dinitrophenyl)hydrazone-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)allyl)aniline

•A hydrazone was synthesized from chalcone.•Structural, topological proprieties, and spectroscopic analysis was carried out.•The anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish of the hydrazone was evaluated.•The hydrazone caused reduction in zebrafish locomotor activity.•The hydrazone has anxiolytic activity through the GABAergic system. Benzodiazepines (GABA receptor agonists) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the drugs of choice for the treatment of anxiety. However, they have considerable adverse effects, so it is important to discover new anxiolytic agents. In this work, the 4′-[(1E,2E)-1-(2-(2′,4′-dinitrophenyl)hydrazone-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)allyl)aniline (HYDRAZDN) was synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, 2D-NMR, ATR-FTIR, FT-Raman, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, and their structural and spectroscopic proprieties were evaluated by quantum chemistry theoretical calculations. Properties such as drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics were also estimated. The anxiolytic-like effect of the compound was also evaluated using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed that the HYDRAZDN compound caused a reduction in zebrafish locomotor activity and induced maximum permanence of zebrafish in the clear zone at a dose of 40 mg/kg, an effect similar to the effect of positive control diazepam (DZP: 40 mg/kg). To identify the mechanism of action of the anxiolytic effect of this compound, we used flumazenil, an antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site at GABAA receptors. The treatment with the highest dose of HYDRAZDN (40 mg/kg) and DZP (40 mg/kg) caused anxiolytic behavior in the animals that spent most of their time in the dark region of the aquarium. This effect was reduced by flumazenil, indicating that anxiolytic activity of the synthesized hydrazone occurs through the GABAergic system. [Display omitted]