Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation undetphysiological and pathological conditions. The present study examined the influence of (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9, when human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin at supraphysiological concentrations of $25{mu}mol/L$. No cytotoxicity was observed by MIT assay in response to a treatment with PMA in the presence of (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin. Western blot analysis and gelatin zymography revealed that exposure of HUVEC to PMA enhanced the levels and gelatinolytic activities of pro and active forms of MMP-2 and active form of MMP-9. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate attenuated PMA-stimulated secretion of active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 concomitantly with a loss of activities of these enzymes, which was related to the decreased mRNA levels of MMP. Quercetin was more potent than (-)epigallocatechin gallate in alleviating MMP-9 protein secretion and activity with a decrease in MMP-9 mRNA accumulation. Taken together, the results indicated that (-)epigallocatechin gallte and quercetin exhibited inhibitory effects on MMP activity and may qualify as chemopreventive and cardiovascular protective agents.