Gallic acid protects against immobilization stress-induced changes in Wistar rats

Background: Stress triggers a wide range of body changes. Herbal medicines are rich in non specific antistress agents. Purpose: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antistress effect of gallic acid (GA), a naturally occurring plant phenol, on immobilization induced-stress in male albino Wistar rats. Methods: The immobilization stress was induced in rats by putting the rats in 20 cm × 7 cm plastic tubes for 2 h/day for 21 days. Rats were post orally treated with GA at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight via intragastric intubations. Results: Treatment with GA significantly increased the food intake, body weight, organ weight (spleen, testis and brain) and the significant reduction was found in weight of liver, kidney, heart and adrenal glands, which was increased in stressed rats. GA also significantly reduced the elevated levels of plasma glucose, plasma and tissue cholesterol (CHL), triglycerides (TG), Low Density Lipid (LDL), Very Low Density Lipid (VLDL) and also significantly increased the level of High Density Lipid (HDL). A significant decrease in hematological parameters like RBC count, total and differential WBC count was also found which were increased in immobilization stress. Conclusion: GA prevented the stress-induced physiological, biochemical and hematological changes, indicating the preventive effect against stress.