The effect of oleuropein on the anxiety caused by acute stress via reducing oxidative stress in mice

Introduction: Severe stressful events are associated with the risk of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Due to the negative effects of anti-anxiety drugs, researcher’s attention have been focused on finding natural ingredients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oleuropein on anxiety induced by acute stress in male rats. Materials and Methodes: To induce Acute restraint stress (ARS) mice immobilizated in restrainer 2 hours for one time; then an electric shock (2 minutes 0.5mA) were used. Mice under acute stress were randomly divided into 5 groups including control group (under acute stress receiving normal saline), intervention groups (under acute stress receiving oleuropein at doses of 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg and positive control (under acute stress receiving diazepam). Results: In ARS mice treated with 30mg/kg of oleurpein significantly increased the time spent in the open arms and decreased the time spent in the closed arms of elevated plus maze (EPM) ) p<0.05). Administration of different doses of oleuropein increase the capacity of anti -oxidants and decreased levels of serum malondialdehyde in rat brain and in ARS mice) p<0.05).  Conclusion: It seems that, the effectiveness of oleuropein on anxiety in rats under acute stress may via reducing oxidative stress.