Gallic Acid Mitigates Carrageenan-Induced Acute Paw Edema in Rats through Antioxidant Activity and Modulation of NF-κB, COX-2, and Proinflammatory Cytokines

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Immunogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

2 Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

3 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

4 Gut and Liver Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

5 Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

6 Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

7 The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

10.22034/jmpb.2026.370818.2059

Abstract

This research project was conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of gallic acid (GA) in a rat model of paw edema triggered by carrageenan (Carr). In this experimental investigation, 42 adults male Wistar rats were casually sorted to make six experimental groups. Group I received normal saline (NS). Group II received NS before the Carr injection. Group III was treated with indomethacin (IND) prior to Carr injection. Groups IV-VI received GA at increasing doses before the Carr administration. By analyzing oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory signaling pathways, and serum cytokine levels, the regulating properties of GA on Carr-stimulated rat paw inflammation were ascertained. The levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were all meaningfully reduced by GA. Additionally, GA increased interleukin-10 secretions and enhanced the activation of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase besides glutathione content. Gallic acid meaningfully reduced paw edema triggered via Carr injection in rats, indicating a robust acute anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, it suppressed Carr-induced inflammation through its antioxidative properties.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 15, Issue 3
May and June 2026
Pages 376-382

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