A new phytocosmetic preparation from Thymus vulgaris stimulates adipogenesis and controls skin aging process: In vitro studies and topical effects in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: The use of the injectable products for soft tissue augmentation and treatment of skin aging is an uncomfortable, invasive and related to several complications, and chronic reactions, mainly after long-term application. Efforts to develop new topically active anti-aging products with fewer adverse effects are a huge challenge that should be faced. Aims:We evaluated the anti-aging effects of a phytocosmetic preparation containing Thymus vulgaris associated with lecithin (ThymLec) on the facial wrinkles, expression lines, and face oval remodeling using a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and in vitro cell culture assays.Methods: A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of ThymLec 2% on the area, length, and depth of the perioral and crow's feet wrinkles, nasolabial and smile lines, as well as face oval remodeling in female volunteers using a sophisticated Bio3D Structured-light Scanner. In the in vitro studies using 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblasts, adiponectin was measured by immunoenzymatic assay, adipogenesis by the AdipoRed reagent method, and the PPAR-γ expression by RT-PCR analysis.Results: Topical treatment with ThymLec 2% reduced facial wrinkles and expression lines promoting a face oval remodeling. In the in vitro studies, ThymLec upregulated the PPAR-γ expression increasing adiponectin production and stimulating the adipogenesis process. Conclusions:The phytocosmetic preparation containing Thymus vulgaris and lecithin is an innovative and safe topical anti-aging product promoting fat tissue augmentation by adipogenesis stimulation via the upregulation of PPAR-γ expression and adiponectin production.

Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Algeria: A Multiregional Ethnobotanical Study

“…This could be attributed to its antifungal and antimicrobial potentials demonstrated against the main pathogens causing skin diseases ( Tadele et al, 2009 ; Vinciguerra et al, 2019 ). Recently, a facial phytocosmetic preparation from T. vulgaris was found to possess promising antiskin aging effects, as shown by enhanced adipogenesis through upregulation of PPAR-γ expression ( Caverzan et al, 2021 ).…”

A systematic review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Thymus vulgaris Linn.

“…Chemical characterization of these herbal products is yet to be done, which could decipher the specific action of phytochemicals involved in the pharmacological activity. Recently, a study by Caverzan et al (2020) prepared a gel named ThymLec gel 2%, which was used as a phytocosmetic to improve facial health conditions [79]. A preparation from leaf and flower extract (1.0%-3.0%) þ water, propanediol, glycerine þ5.0%-13.4%) lecithin (additive) þ benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, tocopherol (preservatives), application of this gel2 mg/cm 2 on female facial skin with 2% concentration (20 mg/g w/w) twice a day (morning and evening) resulted in the reduction of area (7.0%), depth, and length (10.2%) of the perioral wrinkles on day 60, whereas the benchmark produced a reduction of 5.4% and 7.5% of the same parameters, respectively.…”

“…Despite many explorations in the aspects of pharmacological efficiency, very little data are available on the clinical trials of T. vulgaris L.-based products. Our literature survey could find only few studies evaluating the pharmacological potential of T. vulgaris L.-based products using humans as study models [ 79 , 80 ]. These clinical trials used different forms of T. vulgaris extracts and have resulted in the amelioration of the patients'/volunteers' health conditions ( Table 4 ).…”

“…In vitro adiponectin synthesis increased in 3T3-L1 embryonic fibroblasts treated with ThymLec 2% (122% at 0.0195% concentration) and (137% at 0.039% concentration). [ 79 ] Anti-dysmenorrhea in vitro Humans Not defined Essential oil 25 drops of essential oil Ibuprofen, Placebo (Ibuprofen 200mg + oil 25 drops) Anti-prostaglandin and antispasmodic activity of T. vulgaris L. Pain intensity mean values reached lowest point (6.57–1.14 VAS) in case of oil consumers' group in comparison with placebo (6.13–3.45) and ibuprofen (5.3–1.48) (p < 0.05). No significant results were obtained in case of bleeding control by both oil and placebo.…”

Recent Advances in Herbal-Derived Products with Skin Anti-Aging Properties and Cosmetic Applications

“…Among the various aging manifestations, skin aging is a process implicated with changes in skin appearance, aesthetic manifestations, and the development of several skin diseases. Skin aging is a natural, physiological, biochemical, and time-dependent process, resulting from a complex interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which produce cumulative deleterious changes in skin layers, morphology, physiology, and appearance [ 4 ]. Intrinsic factors are determined by genetic and physiological changes, whereas extrinsic factors are promoted by external stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, diet, air pollution, abuse of tobacco and alcohol, lifestyle, toxins, and others [ 5 ].…”