ABSTRACT
Background: Green tea (Camelia sinensis) has bioactive components such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been found to help in wound healing. In the healing process of ulcerations, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) play a very important role, especially in angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. Objective: To determine the effect of EGCG gel administration on VEGF and MMP-9 levels on mucosal ulceration of Wistar rats. Methods: This study is a laboratory experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. 24 Wistar rats were selected randomly and divided into 3 groups, negative control, where the ulceration was given only a covering agent, positive control, where the ulceration was given triamcinolone acetonide, and treatment group, where the ulceration was given 10ppm EGCG gel, expression of VEGF and MMP-9 seen in days 3, 5, 7, and 9 days by immunohistochemical staining. Results: There is a difference, albeit not significant between the treatment group and the positive or negative control group. Conclusion: Administration of EGCG gel did increase the expression of VEGF and decrease the expression of MMP-9 in oral epithelial ulcerations in Wistar rats, albeit not significant compared to control groups, this may be influenced by the characteristics of EGCG, which is less stable and has low bioavailability.
