Effects of Alpha-pinene on oxidative stress and inflammatory response in acute gastric ulcers in rats

Despite the many therapeutic advances, gastric ulcers continue to be prevalent. Natural compounds have been found to play a crucial role in preventing gastric ulcers in various phytochemical studies. The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of alpha-pinene against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats by evaluating its impact on pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Male Wistar rats were orally administered alpha-pinene (50 and 100 mg/kg) prior to being induced with gastric ulceration using ethanol, and the gross morphological lesions, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and oxidative stress markers in gastric tissues were evaluated. Alpha-pinene treatment reduced gross morphological lesions in comparison to untreated animals. In ethanol-treated rats, alpha-pinene at 50 and 100 mg/kg also reduced oxidative stress, as verified by a decrease in tissue myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels. In addition, alpha-pinene at both doses increased GSH and CAT levels compared to the untreated group. Alpha-pinene at both doses also lowered IL-1β and TNF-α production compared to the untreated group. Alpha-pinene may have a beneficial therapeutic role in gastric damage induced by ethanol as it reduces oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory factors.