The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Pistachio on Anxiety and Working Memory in Ovariectomized Female Rats

Introduction: Pistachio has various biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial, due to its flavonoids and phenolic compounds. On the other hand, ovarian hormones such as estrogen have a neuroprotective effect, in the absence of which consequences, including inflammation, anxiety, learning, and memory disorders, are more severe. This study aims to evaluate the beneficial therapeutic effects of pistachio extract in ovariectomized rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 5 groups of female rats weighing 300-250 g were used. The groups included control, ovariectomy (OVX), ovariectomy+ DMSO, ovariectomy +10 mg/kg pistachio extract, and ovariectomy+100 mg/kg pistachio extract. In order to prepare the required extract, pistachio nuts were powdered (100 g) and macerated in 1 L of ethanol (80%) for 72 h. Pistachio extract was used orally once a day in ovariectomized rats for sixty days. Anxiety and working memory were evaluated by the Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and Y-maze tests. Results: The results showed that pistachio extract (more potentially at the dose of 100 mg/kg) decreased anxiety-like behaviors and increased working memory in the ovariectomized rats. Conclusion: The findings of the current investigation suggest that pistachio extract could be used as a potential strategy for the attenuation of ovariectomy-related manifestation.