Cellulite Treatment
Cellulite Treatment – A Novel Approach
Active ingredients in Pure Guild Cellulite Treatment maintain their molecular integrity and full spectrum of biological activities because no solvents are used and no heat is applied to extract them.
Also read: Acne Treatment
SMOOTHER SKIN THROUGH SCIENCE
Women disappointed by old formulas now choose Pure Guild Cellulite Treatment to smooth the dimpled fat of hips, thighs, and buttocks. Proven in studies to arrest lipid storage and reduce inflammation while strengthening connective tissue, Pure Guild succeeds because it employs Nelumbo nucifera (lotus leaf) extract.
In clinical trials, 61 female volunteers applied this active botanical twice per day. Dimpling was evaluated by photography and thermography.
- Nelumbo nucifera suppresses fat storage by boosting hydrolysis of triglycerides by an aggressive 1,513 percent. It inhibits development of new fat cells by stimulating a calorie-restriction gene.
- The extract reduces inflammation of adipose tissue by boosting an anti-inflammatory hormone 16–33 percent.
- It slows degradation of the connective-tissue matrix needed to give a smooth, even structure to skin.
These findings mean that, on average, the extract reduces thigh circumference by 0.4 cm, abdominal circumference by 1.6 cm, hip circumference by 1.3 cm, and surface irregularities by 19 percent.
Cellulite (left) and normal skin in cross section
Factors involved in the appearance of cellulite
Smoothing Away Embarrassing Cellulite
STATE OF THE SCIENCE
Cellulite causes more than just embarrassment. It conjures up a nightmare for many women, packing lumpy fat onto thighs, hips, and stomach. Adipose tissue, abnormally swollen with water, secretes pro-inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinases, leading to multiple metabolic complications.
So Pure Guild has incorporated a powerful active extract of Nelumbo nucifera, better known as Indian lotus, to help drain cellulite.
This extract:
- Reduces fat storage by activating lipolysis and boosting synthesis of SIRT-1, used for caloric restriction.
- Limits tissue inflammation by stimulating expression of adiponectin.
- Strengthens the fibrous architecture of skin by inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinases.
All of these slimming virtues make N nucifera extract an indispensable weapon against cellulite.
ETIOLOGY OF CELLULITE
The orange-peel appearance of cellulite is a localized accumulation of fat that triggers inflammation, causing water retention in swollen adipose cells and compressing circulatory and lymphatic vessels. Meanwhile, connective-tissue structures are distorted under pressure from the engorged cells. As they expand, they push against the dermis, causing the characteristic lumpy appearance.
Not just a storage mechanism for fat, adipose tissue is a complex organ playing an active role in metabolic, endocrine, immune, and cardiovascular regulation. It secretes substances called adipocytokines or adipokines, messengers whose expression gets altered by cellulite. For example, microcirculation changes, leading to hypoxia. Tissues secrete pro-inflammatory factors, adhesion and migration factors, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade the extracellular matrix and expand the lobules of fat.
Although the majority of the cells in adipose tissue are preadipocytes and mature adipocytes, the tissue also has a stromal-vascular fraction containing endothelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages that contribute to the inflammatory reaction.
Nevertheless, studies show that inflammation is reversible. Weight loss by caloric restriction improves the profile. Expression of inflammatory markers is reduced. Vascular quality is improved. The number of infiltrated macrophages — correlated with body mass index and size of adipocytes — is reduced. The inflammatory state returns to a normal state, equivalent to that of a slim person.
Although moderate cellulite is physiologically normal for energy during pregnancy and breast-feeding, most women consider it unacceptable aesthetically. Men mostly avoid the phenomenon, thanks to the structure of their subcutaneous tissue, but do develop love handles and bulges above the abdominal muscles.
Recent studies suggest some new pathways to block the fat accumulation followed by inflammation and water retention. In response, Pure Guild Cellulite Treatment has been developed around an effective botanical extract of N nucifera (Indian lotus), rich in flavonols. The extract:
- Reduces fat storage in mature adipocytes by activating lipolysis and inhibiting adipocyte differentiation through the action of a gene for caloric restriction.
- Limits inflammation of adipose tissue by promoting synthesis of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory molecule.
- Preserves the architectural matrix of cutaneous tissue by limiting its degradation.
By restoring homeostasis of adipose tissue, N nucifera extract improves adipose tissue function and limits water retention.
BOOSTING LIPOLYSIS
Tested at 1%, Nelumbo nucifera extract increased hydrolysis of triglycerides in differentiated adipocytes by more than 1,500 percent, thus promoting elimination of lipids from the cells.
Mature adipocytes are roundish cells containing lipids — mainly triglycerides but also some phospholipids and cholesterols — occupying 95 percent of each cell, pushing the cytoplasm and nucleus out to the periphery.
The adipocyte has an enzyme system for maintaining metabolic homeostasis of the body through two antagonistic pathways: lipogenesis, which forms triglycerides, and lipolysis, which mobilizes triglycerides to produce energy. The activation of various enzymes controls these processes.
INHIBITING ADIPOCYTES
During the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes, Nelumbo nucifera extract at 0.5% increased expression of the SIRT1 protein by 22 percent, thus limiting adipogenesis.
Researchers recently identified the protein, which seems to play a key role in obesity. It may intervene in the mechanisms that control accumulation of lipid reserves. SIRT1 is a nuclear enzyme with deacetylase activity dependent on a cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
When activated, the SIRT1 protein stimulates mobilization of fats. Its method of action is to limit adipocyte differentiation, the process by which mature adipocytes, capable of storing fat, are formed from preadipocytes.
LIMITING INFLAMMATION
During differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes, Nelumbo nucifera extract at 0.5% stimulated adiponectin synthesis by 33 percent, reducing the inflammatory state of adipose tissue.
In recent years, the number of biologically active proteins found to be produced by adipocytes, called adipocytokines, has continued to grow. Their regulation modulates fatty-acid metabolism to guarantee energy for the body.
Production of these proteins changes when adipose reserves increase excessively, leading to metabolic complications, including increased secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8).
Studies have identified a hormone secreted by adipocytes, adiponectin, capable of regulating local inflammation of adipose tissue, but reduced in overweight individuals.
In response, the expression of genes linked to inflammation is modified substantially: production of inflammatory factors is reduced and replaced by anti-inflammatory molecules. The hormone improves vascular quality and reduces the induction of endothelial adhesion molecules, limiting the number of infiltrated macrophages. It also inhibits pro-inflammatory factors by blocking the activity of at least one nuclear factor.
Adiponectin expression, reduced in overweight individuals, is restored after caloric restriction and reverses inflammation linked to fat accumulation.
PRESERVING THE MATRIX
During differentiation of pre-adipocytes into mature adipocytes, Nelumbo nucifera extract at 1% inhibited the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) — MMP-2 by 27 percent and MMP-9 by an astonishing 73 percent — thus preserving the extracellular matrix that enables a smooth skin surface.
Degradation of the extracellular matrix, associated with cellulite, allows overdevelopment of blood vessels to nourish and extend the adipose tissue. While degrading the adipose compartment, MMP-2 and MMP-9 also initiate conversion of more preadipocytes into mature adipocytes to store more fat. Inhibition of MMP activity, however, leads to a reduction in adipogenesis.
Magnetic-resonance imaging has confirmed that women with a high body-mass index or an excess of cellulite also had fewer adipose connective structures, with diminished viscoelastic properties.
Therefore, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase synthesis reduces extracellular-matrix degradation and limits the vascular remodeling that generates adipose-tissue development.
Closeup view of skin afflicted with cellulite
Seed pod of the Nelumbo nucifera, also called Indian lotus
Subjective evaluation by volunteers of the anti-cellulite effect of Nelumbo nucifera extract, formulated at 4% in an emulsion
Proteins MMP-2 (left), MMP-9
Efficacy
LIPOLYTIC ACTIVITY
The aim of this study was to determine in vitro the influence of Nelumbo nucifera extract on the lipolytic activity of 3T3F44-2A preadipocytes by assaying non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) after the complete differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes containing lipids as droplets.
Day 0: Preadipocytes were inoculated in DMEM medium containing 10% donor calf serum. The cells were then incubated for four days at 37°C in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2.
Day 4: The medium was eliminated and replaced by DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), antibiotics, 50 nM insulin and 10–6 M biotin. The medium was then changed every two days, or daily in case of acidification.
Day 12: The medium was discarded, and cells were rinsed twice with PBS without Ca2+ and Mg2+. DMEM medium containing 2% FCS and antibiotics but without insulin addition.
Day 13: Cells were rinsed twice with PBS without Ca2+ and Mg2+, and 2 ml of krebs-ringer-bicarbonate-albumin (KRBA) solution were added to each well. The plates were incubated for 15 minutes at 37°C in an incubator with 5% CO2. N nucifera extract at 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% or caffeine (37.5 g/l) at 2.00% were added to corresponding wells. The plates were incubated for 120 minutes at 37°C with 5% CO2. NEFAs were assayed at 550 nm using a NEFA C colorimetric kit.
NEFAs were read at 550 nm against the blank and the concentration was calculated with the following formula:
Concentration (µM) = A-sample/A-standard x 1,000
A-standard is the absorbance of a standard mixture (1,000 µM oleic acid / 0.2% triton X-100) at 550 nm. A-sample is the absorbance of the sample at 550 nm. The results are listed in Table 1.
| ProductControl Caffeine (37.5 g/l) 2.00% N nucifera extract 0.10% N nucifera extract 0.25% N nucifera extract 0.50% N nucifera extract 1.00% |
NEFA concentration 38 µM 332 μM 179 µM 350 µM 453 µM 613 µM |
Lipolytic activity 678% 371% 821% 1090% 1513% |
Table 1. Assay of non-esterified fatty acids released by preadipocytes treated with Nelumbo nucifera extract in comparison to caffeine
ADIPOCYTE DIFFERENTIATION
Tested at 0.5%, Nelumbo nucifera extract stimulated fat-cell synthesis of SIRT-1 by 22 percent, thus limiting adipocyte differentiation.
The aim of this study was to determine the capacity of N nucifera extract to stimulate the synthesis of SIRT-1, the caloric-restriction gene that inhibits fat-cell differentiation. The study was conducted on 3T3F44-2A preadipocytes by Western blot.
Day 0: Preadipocytes (3T3F44-2A) were inoculated in DMEM medium containing 10% donor calf serum. The cells were then incubated for four days at 37°C in an incubator containing 5% CO2.
Day 4: The differentiation of preadipocytes was induced by replacing the medium with DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum, 50 nM insulin, 10–6 M biotin and 1% (v/v) antibiotics (streptomycin-penicillin). In order to assess its effect, Nelumbo nucifera extract was added to the culture medium at 0.25% and 0.50% (v/v). The cells were then incubated at 37°C in an incubator containing 5% CO2. The medium was changed every two days, or daily in case of acidification.
Day 7: Same treatment as Day 4.
Day 9: Recovery of cell-free extracts and storage at –80°C. Total proteins were assayed with a BCA assay kit.
Western-blot study
- Electrophoresis was conducted on a 12% polyacrylamide/SDS gel (µg of proteins deposited). Transfer was to an immobilon-P membrane.
- Immunolabeling / primary antibody is murine anti-SlRT-1.
- Immunolabeling / secondary antibody is HRP-coupled anti-murine IgG.
- Immunolabeling / visualization system is a peroxidase substrate and chromogen solution.
- Visualization bands were semi-quantified by densitometry after image analysis with Bio-Profile software.
The results are listed in Table 2.
| Product Control N nucifera extract 0.25% N nucifera extract 0.50% |
SIRT-1 concentration 100% 106% 122% |
Table 2. Influence of Nelumbo nucifera extract on the synthesis of SIRT-1
INFLAMMATION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE
Tested at 0.5%, Nelumbo nucifera extract stimulated by 33 percent the synthesis of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory molecule of adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of N nucifera extract on the synthesis of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory molecule secreted by fat cells. This study was conducted by Western blot on cultures of 3T3F44-2A preadipocytes.
Day 0: Preadipocytes (3T3F44-2A) were inoculated in DMEM medium containing 10% donor calf serum. The cells were then incubated for four days at 37°C in an incubator containing 5% CO2.
Day 4: The differentiation of preadipocytes was induced by replacing the medium with DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum, antibiotics, 50 nM insulin and 10–6 M biotin. The medium was changed every two days, or daily in case of acidification. To assess its effect, Nelumbo nucifera extract was added to the culture medium at 0.25% and 0.50% (v/v). The cells were then incubated at 37°C in an incubator containing 5% CO2.
Day 7: Same treatment as Day 4.
Day 9: Recovery of cell-free extracts and storage at –80°C. Total proteins were assayed with a BCA assay kit.
Western-blot study
- Electrophoresis was conducted on a 15% polyacrylamide/SDS gel (30 µg of proteins deposited). Transfer was to an immobilon-P membrane.
- Immunolabeling: Primary antibody was a rat anti-adiponectin.
- Immunolabeling: Secondary antibody was an HRP-coupled anti-IgG rat.
- Immunolabeling: Visualization system was a peroxidase substrate and chromogen solution.
- Visualization bands were semi-quantified by densitometry after image analysis with Bio-Profile software.
The results are summarized in Table 3.
| Product Control N nucifera extract 0.25% N nucifera extract 0.50% |
Adiponectin 100% 116% 133% |
Table 3. Influence of Nelumbo nucifera extract on the synthesis of adiponectin
EFFECT ON FIBROUS MATRIX
Tested at 1%, Nelumbo nucifera extract tended to reduce MMP-2 activity and reduce MMP-9 activity by 73%. N nucifera extract thus reduced the degradation of the fibrous matrix of adipose tissue.
The aim of this study was to determine the capacity of N nucifera to inhibit the activities of adipocytes MMP-2 and MMP-9, two proteases with major participation in the degradation of the fibrous matrix of adipose tissue. The study was conducted by zymography in cultures of preadipocytes.
Day 0: Preadipocytes (3T3F44-2A) were inoculated in DMEM medium containing 10% donor calf serum. The cells were then incubated for four days at 37°C in an incubator containing 5% CO2.
Day 4: The medium was replaced with DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum, antibiotics, 50 nM insulin and 10–6 M biotin. The medium was changed every two days, or daily in case of acidification. To assess its effect, the extract was added to culture medium at 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00% (v/v). Captopril (1 mM), known to inhibit MMPs, was used as a positive control. The cells were incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2.
Day 7: Researchers repeated the same treatment as on Day 4.
Day 9: At the end of incubation, supernatants were recovered and stored at –80°C. Total proteins were assayed with a BCA assay kit.
Zymography
- Electrophoresis: An 8% polyacrylamide/SDS gel containing 1 mg/ml of gelatin was prepared. Samples (about 35 µg of proteins) were mixed (1/1, v/v) with Laemmli buffer, deposited on the gel and separated by electrophoresis.
- Staining: After incubation in 2.5% (v/v) triton X-100 buffer, the gel was incubated at 37°C in 50 mM tris-HCI buffer, pH 7.6, containing 5 mM CaCl2, 200 mM NaCl, and 0.02% brij-35. The gel was then stained with Coomassie blue G250 and destained by successive baths in an acetic acid / methanol / water mixture (10/20/70).
- Visualization and quantification: Gelatinolytic activity is shown by clear bands (lysis of gelatin) at about 64–72 kDa for MMP-2 and about 92 kDa for MMP-9, while non-hydrolyzed gelatin remains blue. These lysis bands were semi-quantified by densitometry after image analysis with Bio-Profile software. Recombinant MMP-2 and recombinant MMP-9 were used as controls.
The results are listed in Table 4.
| Product | MMP-2 activity | MMP-9 activity |
| Control Captopril 1mM N nucifera extract 0.25% N nucifera extract 0.50% N nucifera extract 1.00% |
100% 26% 90% 83% 73% |
100% 60% 47% 32% 27% |
Table 4. Effect of Nelumbo nucifera extract on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities
CELLULITE EFFECT / EVALUATOR
Evaluated clinically after two months of twice-daily application, Nelumbo nucifera extract led to significant improvement in the appearance of cellulite, compared to skin treated by placebo.
The aim of this study — conducted with 23 healthy female volunteers 22 to 39 years of age with body mass indexes between 21 and 26 and visible cellulite on thighs — was to determine in vivo the effect of the active substance N nucifera extract in an emulsion formulated at 4%. The severity of the visual appearance of cellulite was determined on a five-point clinical scale by a trained evaluator after 28 and 56 days of treatment.
Stage 0: Absence
Stage 1: No tumefaction and several shallow depressions
Stage 2: Tumefactions and superficial depressions
Stage 3: Numerous tumefactions and moderate depresssions
Stage 4: Large tumefactions and deep depressions
Trained evaluators assessed skin surfaces using a daylight lamp grazing parallel to the surface above the buttocks.
Day 0: Before application of the products:
- Volunteers reported in without any product on the thighs.
- Consent forms were completed.
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Thighs were scored clinically.
- Extract and placebo were distributed.
Day 0 to Day 27: Extract and placebo were applied twice daily.
Day 28
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Thighs were scored clinically.
Day 28 to Day 55: Extract and placebo were applied twice daily.
Day 56
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Thighs were scored clinically.
Statistical analysis determined the significance of variations observed after 28 or 56 days of twice-daily applications. The comparison involved variations in the zone treated with the product and the zone treated with the placebo. Results are listed in Table 5.
| ParameterSeverity of cellulite | Reduction Day 28 –3% |
Day 56 –6% |
Table 5. Effect of Nelumbo nucifera extract after clinical scoring of the severity of cellulite
CELLULITE EFFECT / PHOTOGRAPHY
After 28 days of twice-daily treatment, 4% Nelumbo nucifera extract led to a 19 percent reduction of surface irregularities from cellulite, by objective measurement. The effect was observed in 68 percent of volunteers. The improved appearance of skin after applying the extract was perceived by volunteers to be significant.
In their self evaluations, 53 percent of study participants said N nucifera extract made their skin firmer, 47 percent said more toned, and 72 percent said smoother. Also, 58 percent reported that the product reduced orange peel, and 44 percent reported that it reduced cellulite.
The aim of the study was to evaluate in vivo, by scoring on a photographic scale, the effect of 4% N nucifera on cellulite and on the surface irregularities it caused. Photographs of the exterior of the thigh were taken before and after 28 days of twice-daily treatment.
Scoring was conducted by a trained panel. Sensations felt when volunteers applied the solution were gathered by using a questionnaire.
The study was conducted on 20 healthy female volunteers between 25 and 63 years of age. Participants were selected according to body mass index (between 21 and 26) and visual presence of cellulite on thighs.
The grade of cellulite in each photograph was evaluated before and after treatment using the defined scale.
Standardized photos of a zone on the exterior of the thigh were taken with the subject standing. To accentuate surface irregularities for evaluation purposes, a system of controlled pinching was developed, applying standardized pressure on the study zone.
Over the 56-day course, correct positioning for pinching and photographing relied on a system of transparent films to note distinctive marks, veins, or scars on a subject’s skin. Positioning on Day 28 was also informed by photographs taken on Day 0.
Grazing illumination was used to accentuate skin relief, and a five-member panel evaluated the grade of cellulite on each photo using a previously defined scale, established from a standard selection of cellulite photos.
For the subjective evaluation, sensations felt while using the extract were collected on a self-evaluation questionnaire, which also contained these five closed questions:
- With this product, my skin is firmer.
- With this product, my skin is more toned.
- This product reduces the appearance of orange peel.
- With this product, my skin is smoother.
- This product reduces cellulite.
The five possible responses to each question were:
- Disagree completely,
- Do not agree,
- Neither agree nor disagree,
- Agree, or
- Agree completely.
The protocol began with a washout period of 14 days, during which no type of cream was to be applied on the study zone.
Day 0: Before application of the products:
- Volunteers reported in without any product on the thighs.
- Consent forms were completed.
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Study zones were determined.
- Photographs were taken.
- Extract and placebo were distributed.
Day 0 to Day 27: Extract and placebo were applied twice daily.
Day 28
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Photographs were taken.
- Volunteers completed the self-evaluation form.
Statistical analysis determined variations in the thinning effects of the products, comparing the zone treated with the product and the zone treated with the placebo. The summary of the data was that N nucifera, compared to the placebo, reduced orange-peel effect by 19 percent. For the volunteers’ subjective evaluations, the “agree” and “agree completely” responses were pooled.
| Self evaluationMy skin is firmer. My skin is more toned. Product reduces orange peel. My skin is smoother. Product reduces cellulite. |
Agree or agree completely
|
Table 6. Subjective evaluation by volunteers of the anti-cellulite effect of Nelumbo nucifera extract, formulated at 4% in an emulsion
DRAINING EFFECT
After 28 days of twice-daily treatment, Nelumbo nucifera extract improved heat exchange by 29 percent, so that 26 percent of volunteers with considerable edema at Day 0 showed only slight edema or a completely normal tissue state by Day 28. Thus the use of N nucifera extract favors cellulite drainage by reducing edema.
The aim of this study was to determine in vivo the draining effect of the extract, formulated at 4% in emulsion, by evaluating after one month of twice-daily treatment the thermal variations in various cellulite zones using thermographic plates.
The study was conducted with 20 healthy female volunteers 25 to 63 years of age who were selected by two criteria: body mass index between 21 and 26 and visible cellulite on thighs.
Measurement-site locations had to be reproducible over time, so a special height-positioning system was developed. Each subject was placed on the system and her thigh marked to identify proper positioning for the thermographic plate. Photographs were taken with the plates applied.
Contact thermography is based on thermal variation between zones of cellulite. A five-member panel evaluated the intensity of each thermographic response using a predefined scoring scale with five stages.
Stage 1, normal: A uniform thermographic plate indicates optimal irrigation of capillaries and an absence of hypothermic and hyperthermic zones. The epidermis is smooth and no nodular formation is observed.
Stage 2, edema: The thermographic plate has a splotchy appearance, showing hyperthermic spots of various shapes surrounded by cooler zones indicating less irrigation. The epidermal surface is slightly irregular, and skin elasticity may be reduced.
Stage 3, generalized edema: The thermographic plate shows the presence of hyperthermic zones with a large surface, surrounded by cooler zones indicating less irrigation.
Stage 4, micronodules: A leopard-skin thermographic appearance shows numerous hyperthermic spots, indicating vascular stasis, within a cooler zone. The skin suffers reduced elasticity and tone, to the point of flaccidity.
Stage 5, macronodules: The thermographic appearance of macronodules, also called black holes, appears as hypothermic black or maroon surfaces alongside hyperthermic spots of various size. After palpation, nodules can be painful to pressure.
The protocol began with a washout period of 14 days, during which no type of cream was to be applied on the study zone.
Day 0: Before application of the products:
- Volunteers reported in without any product on the thighs.
- Consent forms were completed.
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Study zones were determined.
- The thermographic plate was adapted to the volunteer.
- Photographs were taken.
- Products were distributed.
Day 0 to Day 27: Extract and placebo were applied twice daily.
Day 28
- Volunteers were weighed.
- The thermographic plate was adapted to the volunteer.
- Photographs were taken.
- Volunteers completed the self-evaluation form.
Nineteen of the volunteers completed the study. Results are given in Table 7.
| Product | Thermographic stage vs. placebo |
| Nelumbo nucifera extract | –29% |
Table 7. Reduction in thermographic stage using Nelumbo nucifera extract, compared to a placebo
THINNING PROPERTIES
Nelumbo nucifera extract shows an overall thinning effect on thighs, abdomen, and hips, without overall weight loss. After 28 days of twice-daily application, 65 percent of study volunteers applying the extract experienced a reduction in thigh circumference, which ranged up to 2.0 cm. After 56 days of twice-daily application, 88 percent of the volunteers applying the extract lost abdominal circumference, up to 5.0 cm, and 71 percent lost hip circumference, up to 4.5 cm.
The aim of this study was to determine in vivo the thinning effect of N nucifera extract, formulated at 4% in emulsion, by measuring the circumferences of volunteers’ abdomens, hips, and thighs. A treatment period of 28 days was used for thigh measurements and 56 days for hip and abdominal measurements.
The healthy female volunteers were 25 to 63 years of age, selected by two criteria: body mass index between 21 and 26 and visible cellulite on thighs. For thigh circumference, the study involved 20 volunteers. For abdominal and hip circumference, it involved 41 volunteers. One group applied N nucifera extract, and the other group applied a placebo.
Measurement-site locations had to be reproducible over time, so a special height-positioning system was developed. Each subject was placed on the system and her thigh marked to identify proper positioning for measurement.
A tape measure was lined up horizontally along the marks without tension, held in place by adhesive tape applied without pressure on the skin. Measurements were taken twice, and the mean of the two values was used.
The protocol began with a washout period of 14 days, during which no type of cream was to be applied on the study zone.
Day 0: Before application of the products:
- Volunteers reported in without any product on the thighs.
- Consent forms were completed.
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Study zones were determined.
- Measurements were taken.
- Extract and placebo were distributed.
Day 0 to Day 27: Extract and placebo were applied twice daily.
Day 28
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Study zones were determined.
- Measurements were taken.
Day 28 to Day 55: Extract and placebo were applied twice daily.
Day 56
- Volunteers were weighed.
- Study zones were determined.
- Measurements were taken.
Seventeen of the participating volunteers completed the clinical study and were included in data analysis. Results are shown in Tables 8–10.
| Thigh Day 0 to Day 28 |
Placebo –0.1 cm (0%) |
N nucifera –0.4 cm (1%) |
Table 8. Reduction in thigh circumference after 28 days of treatment with Nelumbo nucifera or a placebo
| Abdomen Day 0 to Day 56 |
Placebo +0.4 cm (0%) |
N nucifera –1.6 cm (1%) |
Table 9. Reduction in abdominal circumference after 56 days of treatment with Nelumbo nucifera or a placebo
| Hip Day 0 to Day 56 |
Placebo +0.4 cm (0%) |
N nucifera –1.3 cm (1%) |
Table 10. Reduction in hip circumference after 56 days of treatment with Nelumbo nucifera or a placebo
Safety Tests
NON-IRRITANT, NON-TOXIC
| Tests Evaluation of skin safety after a single application under an occlusive bandage for 48 hours Evaluation of sensitizing potential in adult volunteers Mutagenicity Phototoxicity Evaluation of irritant potential |
Resultsnon-irritantnon-sensitizing non-mutagenic non-phototoxic non-cytotoxic |
Directions
Apply Pure Guild Cellulite Treatment to areas affected by cellulite twice per day for the first two weeks. Then continue the treatment by applying once daily. It is best to apply a generous amount of the gel and massage it into the skin.
Ingredients
Primary ingredient: Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract
Inactive ingredients: deionized water, citric acid, polysorbate 20 (non-pyrogenic), arnica oil, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate (vegetable origin), grape seed oil, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, ethanol.