Research Progress on Anti-caries Mechanism of Epigallocatechin Gallate

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2025.04.002

Abstract

Abstract: Dental caries is a common oral disease with clinical manifestations of chronic and progressive destruction of dental hard tissues. Catechins in green tea have been shown to have caries-preventive and caries-control effects, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most abundant and potent active constituent of green tea catechins. EGCG has the functions of anti-cariogenic bacteria, inhibiting the degradation of dentin collagen, and adjusting the content and composition of salivary membrane proteins. This article reviews the research progress of the above three mechanisms of action of EGCG in controlling the occurrence and development of caries, in order to provide new drug strategies for the prevention and treatment of caries.

Key words: EGCG, dental caries, cariogenic bacteria, matrix metalloproteinase, salivary protein

YE Huiling, WANG Rui. Research Progress on Anti-caries Mechanism of Epigallocatechin Gallate[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2025, 41(4): 276-281.

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