Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a potent phytochemical inhibitor of intimal hyperplasia in the wire-injured carotid artery.

Objective: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin gallate ester, is the major component of green tea and has been demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth as well as inhibit smooth muscle cell migration. We evaluated the effect of the phytochemicals resveratrol, allicin, sulforaphane (SFN), and EGCG on intimal hyperplasia in the carotid artery injury model.

Methods: Intimal hyperplasia was induced in carotid arteries of adult Sprague-Dawley rats with a wire injury.