Evaluation of the Effects of Grape Seed Oil on the Anxiety Level and Motor Coordination of Male Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is a common psychological disorder in developing societies, in which several neurotransmitters are involved. Use of pharmaceutical drugs in the treatment of anxiety has been associated with numerous side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of grape seed oil on male rats in the elevated plus maze (EPM) model. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on rats weighing 250- 300 grams divided into five groups of eight. Animals were administered with grape seed oil via gavage for five consecutive days, and behavioral tests were carried out 30 minutes after the intervention. Anxiolytic properties of grape seed oil were evaluated using the EPM model, and motor coordination of rats was assessed using the Rotarod apparatus. After behavioral evaluations, the animals were deeply anesthetized, and blood samples were obtained from their heart. After the extraction of blood serum, the antioxidant capacity test was performed. FINDINGS: In animals administered with grape seed oil at doses of 50 (15±2.1), 100 (21.5±1.8), and 200 (27.5±1.8) milligram per kilogram of body weight, the number of open arm entries in EPM increased significantly compared to the control group (p=0.008, p=0.005, p=0.008). Moreover, gavage of grape seed oil at the dose of 200 mg/kg (177.5±95.17) significantly increased the time spent in the open arms of EPM (p=0.023). In addition, serum antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in rats receiving grape seed oil compared to control subjects. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, grape seed oil could be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels through the inhibition of oxidative stress in rats in the EPM mode

Protective effect of hydroalcoholic Rheum ribes L. extract in male rat model of lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity

Background: In the recent years, the prevalence of metal-induced toxicity, especially lead-induced toxicity, has increased considerably. Metals including lead cause oxidative stress. Therefore Rheum ribes L. as a medicinal plant with antioxidant activity may reduce the complications of these toxicities. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of hydroalcoholic R. ribes L. extract in male rat model of lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Normal saline (control) group, positive control group treated with 0.6 g/L/d of lead acetate in drinking water, and two R. ribes groups treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg/d of R. ribes extract in addition to lead acetate for 10 days. After treatment, the rats were anesthetized, blood samples were taken, and kidneys were removed and fixed in 10% formalin. Then, serum antioxidant capacity was measured and kidney tissue specimens histopathologically studied. Results: Serum antioxidant capacity was significantly different between lead acetate group and the group treated with lead acetate + R. ribes extract (400 mg/kg). Additionally mice receiving lead acetate + R. ribes extract (400 mg/kg) had significantly higher antioxidant capacity than the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment of lead acetate-treated rats with R. ribes extract significantly prevented damage to their kidney tissues. Conclusions: Rheum ribes extract can prevent lead-induced kidney damage, and therefore exposure to lead acetate by people are recommended to consume this extract. © 2018 The Author(s)