Drugs and Herbs to fight Cellulite

Many drugs and herbs claim to reduce cellulite either by taking orally or applying topically, but which ones have scientific proof that they work.......

Gotu Kola (Asiatic Centella)

 

Gotu Kola contains high amounts of triterprene saponins. Gotu Kola can be used both orally and topically to improve cellulite. It improves lymphatic drainage and microcirculation (also used to treat thread veins and chronic venous insufficiency). Gotu Kola acts on fibroblasts to promote collagen synthesis, supports and strengthens the skin's sub-structure plus improves blood vessel tone and circulation. Using Gotu Kola will promote skin healing and may reduce the appearance of existing scars. Gotu Kola also acts as an anti-inflammatory and will protect dermal and subcutaneous structures from inflammatory cell injury and subsequent hyperpigmentation.

Gotu Kola is available in tablet form from most health food shops to add into your diet. It would be especially beneficial to you if you suffer from thread veins or wish to prevent them.

Topical Skin Products containing Gotu Kola: Cellulite Suppress Formula

Aminophylline

Aminophylline is a prescription drug normally used to treat asthma. It has been scientifically proven to reduce fat and the appearance of cellulite in various studies. When applied topically to the skin where cellulite is present it allows localised fat reduction (spot reduction). Aminophylline works by activating beta receptors on fat cells promoting the break down of fat. It inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase allowing cyclic AMP to continue breaking down fat. Aminophylline also stimulates blood flow to the fat layers allowing the body to flush away the broken down fat.

Aminophylline is in a group of drugs called Methyxanthines. Methyxanthines which also include theobromine, theophylline and caffeine are stimulants that increase fat breakdown via phosphodiesterase inhibition.

Skin products containing Aminophylline: Cellulean, TargeX Heat

 

Glycrrhetinic Acid

 

Glycrrhetinic acid is a natural compound derived from licorice root. It is able to reduce fat deposition that is related to the stress hormone cortisol. It has been proved scientifically to reduce the thickness of subcutaneous fat when applied topically to the trouble area.

Glycrrhetinic acid blocks an enzyme called 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. This enzyme regulates the activity of cortisol in fat tissue. By blocking this enzyme the activity of cortisol in these fat layers is reduced.

Topically applied glycrrhetinic acid has no effect on blood pressure, plasma renin activity or plasma aldosterone or cortisol levels.

Glycrrhetinic acid also has an important anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

Skin products containing Glycrrhetinic acid: Cellulite Suppress Formula, Targex, Atopiclair

Horse Chest Nut

 

Horse Chest nut prevents leakage from small blood vessels and thus prevents edema. It also improves microcirculation to the skin by improving the blood vessel's wall contractibility and tone and helps inflammation. The active ingredient in horse chest nut is Escin a type of triterprene saponin. Escin blocks the enzyme hyaluronidase that breaks down the support and lining of blood vessels, preventing damage and leakage of the blood vessels. Escin blocks another enzyme thrombin which causes blood to clot. Horse chestnut also has an antioxidant effect preventing the build up of toxins in the fat layers.

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)

Hyaluronic acid is the key water-regulating substance in the skin. Decreased amounts of this substance in the skin, which can occur due to aging or harsh weather, cause the skin to become dry and rough.

When applied to the skin it penetrates the dermis and combines with water to promote microcirculation increasing nutrient absorption and metabolism. It also forms an air permeable barrier that absorbs water and prevents water loss keeping the skin moist. Hyaluronic acid is able to hold about 1000 times its own weight in water.

Skin hydration is absolutely essential for skin health and repair. Hyaluronic acid optimises conditions for skin healing.

Antioxidants

 

Antioxidants are very important in the treatment of cellulite. Free radicals weaken cell walls, damage DNA and impair circulation.

Vitamin C and E are important antioxidants.

Some herbal extracts act as antioxidants and can be even more powerful

Herbs with strong antioxidant properties:

Austrian Moor

Wild Yam

 

Co-enzyme 10 (ubiquinone, NADH, CoQ10, ubidecarenone)

Coenzyme 10 is one of the body's most important and powerful antioxidants. It is present in almost every cell of the body and has the highest reduction potential than any other compound contained in the cell. Coenzyme 10 is needed for aerobic respiration to produce oxygen and energy. Deficient amounts of coenzyme 10 will slow down skin regeneration and skin will be low in oxygen.

 

Essential Oils

 

Oils that have a balancing effect on Estrogen

  • Cypress
  • Sweet Fennel
  • Geranium

Oils that improve peripheral microcirculation and help lymphatic drainage

  • Sweet Cloval
  • Ivy
  • Barley

 

Summary

Supplements that increase microcirculation include Indian Chestnut, Ginkgo Biloba and Rutin.

Supplements that have an connective tissue activity include Silicium, Gotu Kola.

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