Effects of epicatechin gallate on wound healing and scar formation in a full thickness incisional wound healing model in rats.

ABSTRACT: Catechins are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds with putative anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects in vitro. However, their potential effects in vivo have not been established. Therefore we have investigated the effects of the catechin epicatechin gallate (ECG), on scar formation in a full thickness incisional model of wound healing in rats. ECG showed a significant improvement in the quality of scar formation both in terms of maturity and orientation of the collagen fibers. An increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 and a decrease in arginase-I activity and protein levels were observed at earlier time points. In addition, an increase in the number of new blood vessels was observed in the ECG-treated group. This correlated wit

SUBMITTER: Kapoor M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1618547 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature