Metabolic complications in an obese state can be aggravated by an abnormal inflammatory response and enhanced production of
reactive oxygen species. Pro-inflammatory response is known to be associated with the formation of toxic
reactive oxygen species and subsequent generation of oxidative stress. Indeed, adipocytes from obese individuals display an altered
adipokine profile, with upregulated expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory
cytokines such as
tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and
interleukin (IL-6). Interestingly, natural compounds, including phenolic enriched foods are increasingly explored for their ameliorative effects against various
metabolic diseases. Of interest is
gallic acid, a trihydroxybenzoic
acid that has progressively demonstrated robust anti-
obesity capabilities in various experimental models. In addition to reducing excessive
lipid storage in obese subjects,
gallic acid has been shown to specifically target the adipose tissue to suppress lipogenesis, improve
insulin signaling, and concomitantly combat raised pro-inflammatory response and oxidative stress. This review will revise mechanisms involved in the pathophysiological effects of
inflammation and oxidative stress in an obese state. To better inform on its therapeutic potential and improvement of human health, available evidence reporting on the anti-
obesity properties of
gallic acid and its derivatives will be discussed, with emphases on its modulatory effect on molecular mechanisms involved in
insulin signaling,
inflammation and oxidative stress.