Cellulite is a disease that mainly affects women. Basically, it consists of an abnormal accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissue of some body regions. The question, however, is not so simple. The scientifically correct term to describe cellulite is in fact "dermo-hypodermo panniculopatia edemato-fibro-sclerotica" (PEFS): this denomination, scientifically approved, allows to distinguish this cutaneous pathology from inflammatory-infectious cellulite.
Also called "mesenchymopathy", cellulite can therefore be classified as a disease affecting the subcutaneous adipose tissue, which goes from simple states of water retention (edema) to gradually worsening phases, up to fibrosis and then to tissue sclerosis.
Today, the so-called cellulite represents a problem that is anything but negligible, both for its incidence and for the repercussions on the psychological condition of those who are affected. The imperfections related to it are mainly located at the level of the buttocks, the thighs and the root of the limbs and shoulders, with the skin which consequently assumes a tense and granulomatous appearance.
Cellulite develops in a constitutional substrate linked to a series of predisposing factors: race, familiarity, small imbalances of the endocrine glands, pharmacological treatments, predisposition to circulatory disorders of the lower limbs, functional alterations of the vertebral column, spoiled osteomuscular behaviors, digestive disorders (in particular constipation), stress, a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. In addition to the aforementioned predisposing factors, there are also important triggers in the development of cellulite:
- Puberty;
- Menopause;
- Pregnancy;
- Taking estroprogestinici;
- Reduced venous return;
- Reduced lymphatic clearance;
- Lifestyle.
What are the physiopathological and aesthetic manifestations of cellulite?
The consequence of fat infiltration and lymphatic stasis is the famous "orange peel skin" (dilated hair follicles from where small close horny stoppers emerge), with a sensation of padding, adhesion and pressing of the skin.
Furthermore, cellulite leads to the onset of aesthetic malformations, swelling, knots and painful compression of the sensory nerves.
The treatment of this disease involves both a purely behavioral intervention, therefore a preventive program ranging from an active lifestyle to a correct diet and the use of appropriate cosmetics, and a therapeutic treatment (mesotherapy, iontophoresis, laser therapy) to which associates the use of phytotherapeutic preparations.
The use of phytotherapy in the treatment of cellulite includes the intake of draining and diuretic herbal teas, the topical use of plant-based ointments and creams with P vitamin action (therefore able to act at the level of the microcirculation), but also the taking capsules that can also act at the circulation level.
Centella Asiatica: a natural remedy against cellulite
In the treatment of cellulite, the first natural remedy to be used is Centella ( Centella asiatica, Fam. Umbrelliferae): the drug of therapeutic interest is made up of leaves and must contain no less than 5% of terpenic derivatives calculated as asiaticoside.
Centella contains several active ingredients, such as:
- Asiaticoside and Madecassicoside, which represent the glucosidic fraction: both these compounds possess anti-inflammatory activity; in addition, asiaticoside promotes wound healing;
- Asian Acids 30% and Madecassico 30%, acid fraction;
- Amino acids: lysine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, alanine, serine and aspartic acid;
- quercetin: the flavonoid reducing capillary fragility;
- Fatty acids, camphor and cineol.
Centella asiatica is indicated, in addition to cellulite, also for the treatment of phlebopathies, venous and decubitus insufficiencies, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
The centella leads to an increase in the elasticity of the veins and a reduction in the capacity for expansion, but it also has a marked action on the microcirculation: not surprisingly, the intake of opercula or capsules, also containing only the very fine powder of the leaves, it has proven to be very effective in treating cellulite, after just 20 days of taking it.
In the operculums the powdered plant is used at a dose of 0.3 g per operculum, 4 times a day, or the mother tincture at a dose of 30 drops 3 times a day.
Regarding the side effects and contraindications of this natural remedy against cellulite, several clinical studies report that the centella is well tolerated, both after oral administration and after administration in the form of a cream; however, it can cause burning and allergic contact dermatitis after topical application, and gastric pain and nausea following oral administration.
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