Grape Seed Extract Attenuates Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Experimental Model of Dietary-InducedHypercholesterolemia in Rats

Objective: Grape seed oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) have proved many beneficial and protective effects. The present work aimed to assess the possible anxiolytic effect of grape seed extract containing OPCs in dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia which has not previously been investigated. Methods: 30 adult male Wistar rats were included into 3 groups (N=10); control group (normal rat chaw-fed group), high cholesterol group (fed with chaw with 4% cholesterol+1% cholic acid) and high cholesterol+grape seed extract group (fed with the high cholesterol chaw+grape seed extract 100mg/kg/day by oral gavage). The experiment lasted for 4 months, then animals were subjected to behavioral testing using open field and elevated plus maze tests. Results: The high cholesterol diet resulted in hypercholesterolemia which was greatly reduced by grape seed extract administration. Hypercholesterolemic rats showed anxiety-like behaviors in the open field and elevated plus maze testing when compared to normal chaw-fed rats. Administration of grape seed extract together with the high cholesterol diet resulted in significant anxiolytic effect in hypercholesterolemic rats. Conclusion: The present results showed that grape seed extract reduced serum cholesterol level and anxiety-like behaviors associated with high-cholesterol diet.