Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Analgesic, and Wound-Healing Effects of Pinus pinaster Aiton and Pinus halepensis Mill Needles: A Natural Approach to Pain and Oxidative Stress Management

Pine needles are traditional herbal remedies used for centuries to treat various ailments, including rheumatism, bronchitis, burns, inflammation, and infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic (peripheral and central), and wound-healing activities of Pinus pinaster (PPN) and Pinus halepensis (PAN) needles while identifying the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed several phenolic compounds, including p-coumaroylquinic acid, quercetin, narcissin, and myricetin-3-O-glucoside. Both extracts showed strong antioxidant activity, with high total phenolic content (TPC: 384.84 ± 0.84 and 524.46 mg GAE/g DM for PPN and PAN, respectively) and flavonoid content (TFC: 109.44 ± 0.62 and 111.64 ± 0.62 mg QE/g DM, respectively). Peripheral analgesic activity, assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, revealed that PAN (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced pain by 72.3%, while central analgesic effects, evaluated by the tail immersion test, were comparable to the reference drug for both extracts. In vivo wound-healing tests showed accelerated wound contraction and complete closure by day 21, indicating strong regenerative potential. Overall, this study demonstrates that PPN and PAN needle extracts possess significant antioxidant, analgesic, and wound-healing activities, supporting their traditional use and highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress, pain, and skin injuries.