Synthesis and biological effects of naphthalene-chalcone derivatives

In this paper, 21 naphthalene-chalcone derivatives were synthesized and their biological effects were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 2a–2u displayed clear antidepressant activity at 30 mg/kg in the forced swimming test. Compounds 2h , 2o , 2t , and 2u exhibited a good antidepressant effect in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test at 30 mg/kg. Compounds 2h , 2o , 2t , and 2u but had no effect on locomotor activity in the open-field test in mice. In addition, the most antidepressant activity of compound 2o is likely mediated by increased serotonin and norepinephrine levels in central nervous system. Compounds 2a–2u also showed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects at 30 mg/kg.