Propyl Gallate Mitigates Gastric Injury Caused by Indomethacin in Wistar Rats

Propyl gallate (PG) is an edible food-grade antioxidant, but its gastroprotective potential has not been extensively evaluated. This study evaluated the protective effects of PG on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats. Male rats were assigned to control (C), vehicle (Vehicle), PG-treated (20, 40, and 100 mg/kg; LPG, MPG, and HPG), and positive control (omeprazole, 30 mg/kg; OM). Following 7 days of pretreatment, indomethacin (100 mg/kg) was administered to all groups except group C, and the gastric tissues were collected for further analysis. PG pretreatment significantly reduced ulcer area in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). PG also suppressed gastric inflammatory protein expression (NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS), restoring prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels, and enhanced antioxidant defenses, as evidenced by increased glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. These findings demonstrate that PG exerts marked gastroprotective effects through combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.