João Victor Alves Martins, José Ednésio da Cruz Freire, Maria Rayane Correia de Oliveira, Gabriela Alves do Nascimento, Lia Gomes Crisóstomo Sabóia, Paulo Adenes Teixeira Coelho, Lorena Silva Lima, Keciany Alves de Oliveira, Francisco Lucas Alves Batista, Hamilton Mitsugu Ishiki, Antonio Eufrásio Vieira-Neto, Sacha Aubrey Alves Rodrigues Santos, Adriana Rolim Campos, Lucas Soares Frota, Selene Maia de Morais, Renalison Farias-Pereira, Francisco Ernani Alves Magalhães, Ariclécio Cunha de Oliveira
The 'miracle tree' Moringa oleifera from the Moringaceae family is recognized for its rich nutritional value and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the phytopharmaceutical compound Moringa isothiocyanate-1 (MIC-1) isolated from hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera seeds for the treatment of seizures and anxiety in adult zebrafish. MIC-1 (up to 0.5 mg/mL) did not show any acute toxic effects over a 96-h period. Moreover, MIC-1 (0.005 and 0.05 mg/mL) delayed the onset of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol, indicating anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant effects of MIC-1 (0.05 mg/mL) were reversed by flumazenil, suggesting a mechanism involving the GABAA receptor. Furthermore, MIC-1 (0.05 mg/mL) has anxiolytic effects, with involvement of the serotonergic and GABAergic systems. In silico assays confirmed the interaction of MIC-1 with the GABAA, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A/C, and 5-HT3A/B receptors. Additionally, MIC-1 was effective in treating anxiety related to alcohol withdrawal in zebrafish. These findings suggest the pharmacological potential of MIC-1 for the development of new treatments for seizures and anxiety.