Introduction: Hypertrophic scars (HSs) are the results of excessive collagen deposition at the wound area which give raised, pruritic and erythematous lesions. Until now, there is no optimal treatment for abnormal scarring including HSs. Because of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of catechins the aim of this work was to investigate the preventive potential of catechin hydrate (CH) against HS formation in rabbit.
Methods: Topical CH ointments were prepared by levigation method. 10 New Zealand White rabbits in 5 groups were used in this experimental research as follow:  negative control, Eucerin (ointment base) treated group and CH 1, 2, and 4% w/w ointments treated groups. The anti-scarring effects of CH were investigated by measuring the epidermal thickness index (ETI), the scar elevation index (SEI), the amount of collagen deposition, the type І and type ІІІ collagen and the MMP1 levels in scar tissue.
Results: Our results showed that after treatment with topical CH the scars formed in the wound site, were almost normal and flatten to surrounding skin level, while in the control and eucerin treated groups the scars were raised and had a darker color than normal skin. In addition, topical CH in all concentrations, significantly (p<0.05) reduced ETI, SEI, the collagen deposition and the levels of type І and type ІІІ collagen comparing to control group. Moreover, CH 4% significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the MMP1enzyme levels comparing to control group.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, CH has the potential for prevention of hypertrophic scar formation.