Pistachio Extract Improves Neurocognitive Behaviors in Ovariectomized Mice

Background and objectives: menopause is associated with depression as well as emotional and memory disorders. based on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of pistachio, its effect on depression, cognitive function, anxiety and physical power in ovariectomized mice was investigated. methods: in the current study, fifty female mice were used. they were aliquoted into five groups: control, ovariectomy (ovx), ovariectomy + dmso, ovariectomy +10 mg/kg pistachioextract 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 mice for sixty days. anxiety, depression, working memory and physical power were evaluated by the elevated plus-maze (epm) test, forced swimming test (fst), y maze and swimming exhaustion test, respectively. results: the results showed that extract of pistachio (more potentially at the dose of 100 mg/kg) decreased anxiety-like behaviors and depression; besides, increase in working memory and physical power was observed in the ovariectomized mice. 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.