A Short Review on Glucogallin and its Pharmacological Activities

Plant derived natural products have multifaceted beneficial roles in human pathophysiology. Plant secondary metabolites have been used as an adjunct medicine for a long time and beta-Glucogallin is one such pharmaceutically important plant derived natural product. Beta-glucogallin (1-O-galloyl-beta-d-glucopyranose), a plant-derived polyphenolic ester, is regarded as the primary metabolite in the biosynthesis of hydrolyzable tannins. It is majorly found in amla, pomegranate, strawberry etc. Owing to its free radical scavenging properties, beta-glucogallin (BG) is believed to protect against several diseases like diabetes and related complications like retinopathy, glaucoma, inflammation, hepatic damage, skin damage from UV, etc. Several semisynthetic derivatives of beta-Glucogallin are being developed, which have better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters than beta-glucogallin. Studies have shown the prophylactic role of beta-Glucogallin in developing defence mechanisms against the advent and progression of certain diseases. beta-glucogallin formulations have shown a positive effect as a neutraceutical. In this manuscript, we have discussed beta-glucogallin, its natural sources, biosynthetic pathways, its semi-synthetic derivatives, and the plethora of its pharmacological activities like antioxidant-antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, cataract-preventing, anti glaucoma, and UV protectant. We have also highlighted various biological pathways, which are modulated by beta-glucogallin. The manuscript will convey the importance of beta-glucogallin as a compound of natural origin, having multifaceted health benefits.