Efficacy of an Anti-Cellulite Herbal Emgel: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Cellulite describes unsightly skin overlying subcutaneous fat around thighs and buttocks of post-pubescent females. A herbal ‘emgel’ containing volatile oils and extracts of A traditional Thai herbal compress was tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 18 women aged 20–50 year with severe cellulite. Appearance of cellulite (primary outcome), thigh circumferences, skin firmness, and cutaneous blood flow (secondary outcomes) were assessed at baseline, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks with a 2-week follow-up. Herbal emgel applied onto the thigh skin twice daily reduced cellulite severity scores in every time point. The score was reduced from 13.4 ± 0.3 (baseline) to 12.1 ± 0.3 (week 2) and 9.9 ± 0.6 (week 12). All secondary outcomes improved with both placebo and herbal emgels suggesting that ingredients in the base-formulation might be responsible. Querying of participants, analysis of their diaries, and physical monthly inspections found no adverse events. The herbal emgel safely improved the appearance of cellulite, while the base emgel may play a role for other endpoints. Further studies on the active constituents and their mechanism of action are needed to further explore these factors.

Clinical and Ultrasound Efficacy of Topical Hypertonic Cream (Jovita Osmocell®) in the Treatment of Cellulite: A Prospective, Monocentric, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

“…Placebo-controlled, randomized studies have shown notable enhancements in cellulite severity with topical preparations containing caffeine and/or retinol [18]. Herbal Emgel, a compress that encapsulates 100-200 g of mixed herbs, was shown to be effective in reducing the severity of cellulite in 21 premenopausal women [19]. However, these studies were limited in size and duration.…”

Development, Characterization, and Stability Evaluation of the Anti-Cellulite Emgel Containing Herbal Extracts and Essential Oils

“…Recently, the more convenient dosage form, anti-cellulite emgel, was freshly prepared and clinically tested. Its effectiveness was already proved and reported [ 14 ].…”