Octyl gallate (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate) is reported to possess antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii. The fungicidal activity associated with octyl gallate is due to its ability to act as a nonionic surface-active agent (surfactant). Octyl gallate, an alkyl gallate, is reported to exhibit direct antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus BB568. It is reported to inhibit the activity of soybean lipoxygenase-1 (EC 1.13.11.12, type I) with an IC₅₀ of 1.3μM. It is also effective in preventing lipid peroxidation.

Octyl gallate was used in a study to investigate the self-assembly in two comb-shaped supramolecules systems consisting of octyl gallate, hydrogen bonded to the pyridine groups of polyisoprene-block-poly(vinylpyridine) diblock copolymers using synchrotron radiation.

The product is not intended for use as a biocide under global biocide regulations, including but not limited to US EPA′s Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, European Biocidal Products Regulation, Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Turkey’s Biocidal Products Regulation, Korea’s Consumer Chemical Products and Biocide Safety Management Act (K-BPR) and others.