Molecular and Cellular Biomedical Sciences (MCBS)
Vol 10, No 2 (2026)

The Effects of Kombucha Extract Cream in Modulating EGF and IL-10 Levels in Xerosis-Like Model

Wina Shaulla Polnaja (Master of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang)
Sri Priyantini Mulyani (Master of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang)
Siti Thomas Zulaikha (Master of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Xerosis leading to chronic pruritus and increased inflammation. Current treatment like urea, may induce itching, burning and stinging sensations in some patients. Kombucha extract exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties; however, evidence on the effects of green tea kombucha extract cream on IL-10 and EGF in xerosis remains limited. This study investigates the effects of kombucha extract cream on epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) represent epidermal generation and inflammation resolution in xerosis-like rat model.Materials and methods: Experimental study employed 30 male Wistar rats divided into five groups, consisting of healthy control (G1), negative control (cream base) (G2), positive control (5% urea cream) (G3), treatment groups receiving 10% (G4) and 20% (G5) kombucha extract cream. Xerosis induction by applying 5% SLS for nine days, topical treatments were applied for seven days. EGF and IL-10 levels were measured from skin tissue using ELISA. EGF data analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and post hoc Tamhane. IL-10 data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney (p<0.05).Results: The highest mean EGF levels were observed in G4 (665.96±17.74 ng/L) and the lowest in G3 (573.88±25.09 ng/L). One-Way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in EGF levels across groups (p=0.006). Regarding IL-10 levels, the highest mean was found in G1 (201.41±20.41 pg/mL) and the lowest in G4 (181.60±3.42 pg/mL). The Kruskal-Wallis showed a significant difference in IL-10 levels across treatment groups (p=0.013).Conclusion: Topical 10% kombucha extract cream increased EGF levels and modulated IL-10 in a xerosis-like rat model, highlighting its potential as a topical agent to enhance the skin repair process in xerotic conditions. Keywords: skin barrier repair, EGF, IL-10, topical antioxidant, Wistar rats, sodium lauryl sulfate

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mcbs

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Dentistry Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

Molecular and Cellular Biomedical Sciences (MCBS) has been published by Cell and BioPharmaceutical Institute (CBPI), a biannually published scientific journal, is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that supports all topics in Biology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Histology and ...