The local antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects of propyl gallate in rodents.

1 In common with several anti-inflammatory, analgesic, local anaesthetic and antioxidant drugs, propyl gallate in vitro inhibited the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 and F2alpha from arachidonic acid by a prostaglandin synthetase from bull seminal vesicles. 2 In common with analgesic drugs, propyl gallate reduced the ability of arachidonic acid, acetylcholine or acetic acid to cause abdominal constriction in mice. 3 Using a new method for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity, we demonstrated the effectiveness of aspirin or indomethacin given subcuteneously before u.v. irradiation of guinea-pig ears, the prophylactic action of topically applied sunscreen agents and the therapeutic value of bufexamac and propyl gallate applied after irradiation.