Behavioral and physiological benefits of alpha-pinene in adult rats experiencing chronic stress: A focus on depression and oxidative stress

To investigate the protective effects of alpha-pinene, an antioxidant compound, on depressive-like behaviors, social interactions, and biochemical markers in adult rats exposed to chronic stress through maternal separation during early development. Forty-nine Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: control (receiving solvent only), two alpha-pinene treatment groups (5 and 10 mg/kg), a stress group (maternal separation for 6 h daily for 21 days), two combined treatment groups (alpha-pinene with stress), and a positive control group (imipramine hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg). Behavioral assessments included forced swimming tests, sucrose preference tests, elevated plus maze tests, and social interaction tests. Serum corticosterone levels and oxidative stress markers (MDA and GPx activity) in brain tissue were measured. The stress group showed significant increases in immobility time, anxiety behaviors, and serum corticosterone levels, with decreased sucrose preference and altered social interactions. Biochemical analysis revealed increased MDA levels and decreased GPx activity in the stress group, indicating heightened oxidative stress. Alpha-pinene treatment at both doses significantly improved behavioral outcomes, reduced corticosterone levels, decreased MDA levels, and increased GPx activity in stressed rats, with effects comparable to imipramine. Alpha-pinene significantly protects against chronic stress-induced behavioral and biochemical alterations in rats. These findings suggest that alpha-pinene may improve behavioral performance through antioxidant mechanisms and by modulating HPA axis activity, as evidenced by reduced corticosterone levels. This study provides preliminary evidence for alpha-pinene's potential therapeutic value in stress-related disorders.