Cellulite blemishes are an extremely common disorder. On average, they affect 90% of women regardless of their age, height, or weight5.
But how does cellulite form?
Cellulite is a stagnation of toxins, metabolic waste and excess fluid that builds up in the connective tissue1.
You can imagine such build up as a something that hinders the capillary microcirculation, like in a “traffic jam”.
The triggering factor that causes waste and toxins to deposit comes from fat cells that become so large that they make it difficult for the blood in capillaries to flow regularly. The microcirculation being hindered, fibroblasts - the cells that produce collagen - do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients which in turn affects the whole structure of the connective tissue.
For the same reason, the other main function of microcirculation - i.e. carrying toxins and waste away - is hampered, too. Therefore, waste builds up amongst fibroblasts and alters their function.
The "traffic jam" blocks the regular flow of the blood and this is a phenomenon that usually keeps feeding itself. When blood flows slowly through the capillaries, cells on one side are unable to get rid of the metabolic waste, and on the other they struggle to bring in all the nutrients and oxygen that are necessary to keep the connective tissue vital and healthy.
At this point, fibroblasts are no longer capable of adequately producing collagen. In the long term, the structure of the connective tissue weakens, the capillary walls also weaken and lose their permeability that normally allows for the exchange of toxins and waste against oxygen and nutrients to happen, which in the end causes inflammation.
And this is the point. Not only is cellulite an aesthetic problem, but it is also and mainly and indicator of inflammation of the tissues3.
So, cellulite blemishes are not only bad to see, but they are even unhealthy.
For the reasons above, treating cellulite only from the outside by using creams or oils, or by doing some exercise and being on a healthy diet may not be enough4.
A truly functional approach is therefore necessary to treat cellulite from within. And in this case phytotherapy can be of great help.
In fact, several clinical studies have been carried out over the years, that prove the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic natural approach on cellulite imperfections.
In the next section, we will go through some of them to understand how and why plant-based active principles can be useful against cellulite blemishes and orange peel skin.
Experimental Phytotherapy
Pineapple
- Biomed Rep . 2016 Sep;5(3):283-288. doi: 10.3892/br.2016.720. Epub 2016 Jul 18.Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications Vidhya Rathnavelu, Noorjahan Banu Alitheen, Subramaniam Sohila, Samikannu Kanagesan, Rajendran Ramesh
This article highlights the anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic properties of bromelain. Bromelain active principles help restore the physiological conditions of the connective tissue, the function of weakened capillaries and damaged fibroblasts that usually cause oedema and water retention, hence cellulite.
Centella
- Pak J Pharm Sci. 2014 Mar;27(2):233-7. The effect of Centella asiatica, vitamins, glycolic acid and their mixtures preparations in stimulating collagen and fibronectin synthesis in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Hashim P.
In this study, researchers have focused on the specific effects of Centella asiatica, vitamins, glycolic acid and their mixture to stimulate, in humans, the synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts. Results showed that collagen and fibronectin synthesis in fibroblasts was significantly stimulated, which is fundamental in the treatment of cellulite imperfections.
- Postepy Dermatol Alergol . 2013 Feb;30(1):46-9. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2013.33378. Epub 2013 Feb 20. Centella asiatica in cosmetology Wiesława Bylka 1, Paulina Znajdek- Awiżeń, Elżbieta Studzińska-Sroka, Małgorzata Brzezińska
This study analyses the active principles of Centella and the fields of its application. Researchers found that Centella, rich in pentacyclic triterpenes, asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids, promotes the fibroblast proliferation and increases collagen synthesis. This in turn inhibits inflammation and improves the aspect of cellulite, premature skin aging and skin disorders in general.
Red Vine
- Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2011 Apr;41(4):540-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs. 2010.12.003. Epub 2011 Jan 15. Efficacy and tolerability of a red-vine-leaf extract in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency--results of a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Rabe E, Stücker M, Espe- rester A, Schäfer E, Ottillinger B.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of red vine leaf extract on the leg volume and on the clinical symptoms experienced by people affected by chronic venous insufficiency.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 248 people and was carried out over a 12-week period.
At the end of treatment, the sample group treated with red vine extracts showed a 20-mL reduction in leg volume compared to the placebo group. This can be particularly effective in a typical cellulite condition.
- Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2011 Apr;41(4):540-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs. 2010.12.003. Epub 2011 Jan 15. Improvement of cutaneous microcirculation and oxygen supply inpatientswithchronicvenousinsufficiencybyorallyadministe- red extract of red vine leaves AS 195: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Kalus U, Koscielny J, Grigorov A, Schaefer E, Peil H, Kiesewetter H.
Also in this study, researchers analysed the effect of red vine leaf extracts on microcirculation, transcutaneous oxygen pressure, and leg oedema in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
The double-blind, randomized study involved 129 men and women. After 6 weeks of treatment, the group treated with Red Vine extract showed improved microcirculation, oxygen permeation, and a decrease in leg circumference. All these factors can be an effective support against cellulite blemishes.
Garcinia
- Nutr Hosp . 2015 Dec 1;32(6):2400-8. doi: 10.3305/nh.2015.32.6.9587. THE EFFECT OF GARCINIA CAMBOGIA AS COADJUVANT IN THE WEIGHT LOSS PROCESS Patricia Fassina, Fernanda Scherer Adami, Valdeni Terezinha Zani, Isabel Cristina Kasper Machado, Juliano Garavaglia, Magali Terezinha Quevedo Grave, Renata Ramos, Simone Morelo Dal Bosco
This work reviewed all the studies available on Garcinia Cambogia used as an adjuvant factor in the treatment of obesity. Its efficacy, the way it works, the recommended daily dosage together with side effects and contraindications were all evaluated. Studies suggest that Garcinia Cambogia has positive effects on weight loss, with no adverse effects.
- Physiol Behav. 2006 Jul 30;88(4-5):371-81. Epub 2006 May 24. Effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate on net fat synthesis as de novo lipogenesis. Kovacs EM, Westerterp-Plantenga MS.
In this study, researchers show that Garcinia Cambogia hydroxycitrate (HCA) helps promote a healthy body weight by hindering the lipogenesis process through an inhibitory action on lipases, the digestive enzymes of dietary fats.
Gynostemma
- Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014 Jan;22(1):63-71. doi: 10.1002/oby.20539. Epub 2013 Sep 5. Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Park SH, Huh TL, Kim SY, Oh MR, Tirupathi Pichiah P B, Chae SW, Cha YS.
This study evaluates the effects of Gynostemma extract (actiponin) on body weight, fat loss, and metabolic markers.
A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out on 80 overweight subjects, (male/female). During the period of actiponin supplementation, total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, body fat percentage, and BMI significantly decreased in the actiponin group compared to the placebo group. Researchers proved that actiponin is a powerful anti-obesity substance that has no significant adverse effects.
- Cell Death Dis . 2020 Sep 17;11(9):770. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-02974-0. The triterpenoid sapogenin (2α-OH-Protopanoxadiol) ameliorates metabolic syndrome via the intestinal FXR/GLP-1 axis through gut microbiota remodeling Zhifu Xie, Haowen Jiang, Wei Liu, Xinwen Zhang , Dakai Chen, Shuimei Sun, Chendong Zhou, Jia Liu, Sheng Bao , Xiachang Wang , Yinan Zhang , Jia Li, Lihong Hu, Jingya Li
The study carried out on mice showed that administration of Gynostemma protected mice from obesity induced by a high-fat diet and improved their glucose tolerance and intestinal L-cell function. These results confirm that Gynostemma can be useful in case of metabolic syndrome and relevant consequences, as cellulite.
1 Mamalis A, Jagdeo J. The Combination of Resveratrol and High-Fluence Light Emitting Diode-Red Light Produces Synergistic Photobotanical Inhibition of Fibroblast Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis: A Novel Treatment for Skin Fibrosis. Dermatol Surg. 2017 Jan;43(1):81-86. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000921. PMID: 28027199.
2 Maia-Landim A, Ramírez JM, Lancho C, Poblador MS, Lancho JL. Long-term effects of Garcinia cambogia/Glucomannan on weight loss in people with obesity, PLIN4, FTO and Trp64Arg polymorphisms. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Jan 24;18(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2099-7. PMID: 29361938; PMCID: PMC5781311.
3 Fassina P, Scherer Adami F, Terezinha Zani V, Kasper Machado IC, Garavaglia J, Quevedo Grave MT, Ramos R, Morelo Dal Bosco S. THE EFFECT OF GARCINIA CAMBOGIA AS COADJUVANT IN THE WEIGHT LOSS PROCESS. Nutr Hosp. 2015 Dec 1;32(6):2400-8. doi: 10.3305/nh.2015.32.6.9587. PMID: 26667686.
4 Kovacs EM, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate on net fat synthesis as de novo lipogenesis. Physiol Behav. 2006 Jul 30;88(4-5):371-81. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.04.005. Epub 2006 May 24. PMID: 16725163.
5 IRCCS Humanitas Reserach Hospital – Cellulite.
6 Enzo Emanuele, Cellulite: Advances in treatment: Facts and controversies Clinics in Dermatology, Volume 31, Issue 6, 2013, Pages 725-730, ISSN 0738-081X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.05.009.-
7 Luebberding, S., Krueger, N. & Sadick, N.S. Cellulite: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Clin Dermatol 16, 243–256 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-015-0129-5.
I nostri testi hanno scopo divulgativo, non vanno intesi come indicazione di diagnosi e cura di stati patologici e non vogliono sostituirsi in alcun modo al parere del Medico.