Gallic acid is a phenol that has been found in C. sinensis and has diverse biological activities.1,2,3,4 It scavenges DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in cell-free assays (IC50s = 9.4 and 191 ?M, respectively).1 Gallic acid (1-100 ?M) reverses abscisic acid-induced inhibition of hypocotyl growth in A. caudatus seedlings.2 In vivo, gallic acid (21.8 g/kg) inhibits morpholine- and sodium nitrite-induced adenocarcinoma formation in mice.3 It also inhibits passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice when administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg.4
1.Cos, P., Hermans, N., Calomme, M., et al.Comparative study of eight well-known polyphenolic antioxidantsJ. Pharm. Pharmacol.55(9)1291-1297(2003) 2.Ray, S.D., Guruprasad, K.N., and Laloraya, M.M.Antagonistic action of phenolic compounds on abscisic acid-induced inhibition of hypocotyl growthJ. Exp. Bot.31(125)1651-1656(1980) 3.Mirvish, S.S., Cardesa, A., Wallcave, L., et al.Induction of mouse lung adenomas by amines or ureas plus nitrite and by N-nitroso compounds: Effect of ascorbate, gallic acid, thiocyanate, and caffeineJ. Natl. Cancer Inst.55(3)633-636(1975) 4.Kar, K., Mohanta, P.K., Popli, S.P., et al.Inhibition of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis by compounds of Camellia sinensisPlanta Med.42(1)75-78(1981)