Objective To explore the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) (50 mg/L) on the expression of MMP-1 mRNA and the levels of MMP-1 during mouse cutaneous wound healing. Methods Fifty-seven mice were divided into control, 50 mg/L EGCG and vehicle groups. The wound skins were prepared at 6, 12, 24, 72, 120 and 168 hours after injury, respectively. The expression of MMP-1 mRNA and levels of MMP-1 in wound healing skins were determined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results It was found that 50 mg/L EGCG inhibits the expression of MMP-1 mRNA and decreases the levels of MMP-1 of the wound tissue at the late stage of wound healing (72 hours after skin injury). Conclusion 50 mg/L EGCG could inhibit the expression of MMP-1 mRNA and the MMP-1 production during cutaneous wound healing, a