Acute Toxicity Assessment of Gallic Acid Administered Orally and Intraperitoneally in Wistar Rats

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Histopathology

Background:

• Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic compound with potential health benefits.
• Understanding its toxicological profile is crucial for safe application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biochemical parameters and anatomopathological changes in Wistar rats following oral and intraperitoneal administration of gallic acid.
• To determine the acute toxicity of gallic acid based on OECD guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were administered three single doses of gallic acid (11.46, 114.6, and 1146 mg/kg) via oral and intraperitoneal routes.
• Biochemical analyses of blood and histopathological examinations of kidney, liver, lung, heart, and brain tissues were performed.
• Acute toxicity testing followed OECD guidelines.

Main Results:

• Hypoproteinemia (low albumin and total protein) was observed in all groups, including the control, indicating it was not due to gallic acid.
• Elevated biochemical parameters at higher gallic acid doses remained within reference ranges.
• Severe diffuse neuronal and neuropil degeneration was noted in the brains of rats receiving medium and high intraperitoneal doses of gallic acid.

Conclusions:

• The observed hypoproteinemia is not attributable to gallic acid administration.
• Gallic acid may be safe at low and medium administered doses, particularly via the oral route.
• Intraperitoneal administration of medium to high doses of gallic acid may lead to neurotoxicity.