Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is protein that stimulates cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation by binding to its receptor EGFR.

Epidermal growth factor can be found in urine, saliva, milk, and plasma. The production of epidermal growth factor has been found to be stimulated by testosterone.
Salivary EGF, which seems also regulated by dietary inorganic iodine, also plays an important physiological role in the maintenance of oro-esophageal and gastric tissue integrity. Its effects include healing of oral and gastroesophageal ulcers, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, and stimulation of DNA synthesis as well as mucosal protection from intraluminal injurious factors (such as gastric acid, bile acids, pepsin, and trypsin), and to physical, chemical, and bacterial agents.

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. It can be given by injection into the wound site, or may be used topically. Tentative evidence shows improved wound healing.

Adapted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Internet. Accessed on October 25, 2016.