Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Restraint to Induce Stress in Mice and Rats
Published on: December 6, 2024
Impact of clove oil on behavioral and biochemical parameters in restrained rats by using docking and experimental
Sana Sadaf1, Shazia Dawood2, Shaista Emad3
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan/ Neurochemistry and Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Background:
Acute restraint stress activates the (HPA) axis, elevating corticosterone and influencing cognitive function. Clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum), known for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, may counteract stress-induced biochemical and behavioral alterations.
Objective:
This study evaluated the effects of clove oil pretreatment on stress-induced memory changes and biochemical responses in rats, supported by molecular docking of its active constituents.
Methods:
Rats were divided into stressed and unstressed groups. Memory performance was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) for long-term memory and an elevated plus maze (EPM) for short-term memory. Plasma corticosterone levels and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured. Molecular docking was performed to assess interactions between clove oil constituents and AChE.
Results:
Acute restraint stress (2 hours) significantly enhanced long-term and short term memory (p < 0.001). Clove oil pretreatment reduced escape latency, transfer latency (p=0.000), corticosterone levels (p=0.000), and AChE activity (p= 0.000), indicating attenuation of stress-related effects. Docking analysis showed strong binding affinity of isoeugenol to AChE, with a docking score of -74.2657 kcal/mol.
Conclusion:
Clove oil exhibits neuroprotective and cognition-enhancing effects in stress-exposed rats, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for managing stress-related cognitive impairments.
