A behavioral and molecular study; ameliorated anxiety-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction in a rat model of chronic unpredictable stress treated with oregano extract.

Objective: Chronic stress is considered a severe risk factor leading to various disorders, including anxiety and cognitive decline. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Origanum vulgare (oregano) extract on improving anxiety-like behavior and learning and memory defection caused by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).

Method: A 10-day CUS protocol was executed on male rats, and on day 10, their anxiety, learning, and memory status were evaluated.

Effects of oregano essential oil on brain TLR4 and TLR2 gene expression and depressive-like behavior in a rat model.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex TLR 2/4 gene expression and depressive like behavior induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Sucrose preference and forced swim tests were adopted to examine the antidepressant effect. Control (CON), OEO, CUS, and CUS + OEO groups were used.