The efficacy of topical aminophylline in local fat reduction: A systematic review

Abstract

Background and aimsSome studies have reported that the topical forms with aminophylline as the active ingredient appear to be relatively effective on local fat burning while having no/minimal side effects. This systematic review accumulates all of the data on the local fat-burning potency of aminophylline topical formulation.MethodsDocuments were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases until Aug 2022. Data were extracted from clinical trials reporting the reduction in thigh or waist circumference as a result of using topical forms containing aminophylline. Screening of included studies was performed independently by two authors and the quality assessment of included studies was performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration’s approach.ResultsOf the 802 initial studies, 5 studies were included in the systematic review. Several concentrations of aminophylline were used in different studies. Most studies administred the topical formulation on participants’ one thigh, and the other thigh was considered to be the control for comparing the fat reduction amount. Except for one study, all other studies reported that all participants lost more fat on the treated area than the control groups. The amount of fat reduction differed in studies regarding their different aminophylline concentrations and administration routines. In the case of side effects, except for some studies reporting skin rashes, other studies reported no significant side effects at all.ConclusionsAminophylline topical formulation offers a safe, effective, and much less invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery for localized fat reduction. It seems that the 0.5% concentration, administered five times a week for five weeks is the most potent concentration. However, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to verify this conclusion.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022353578.

Lipolytic agents for submental fat reduction: Review

“…However, for localized injection therapy, it is administered in the form of subcutaneous injections 5 . Although there is no clear evidence regarding its safety and efficacy mechanisms, reports from various studies suggest its effectiveness, leading to its widespread use in many medical institutions for this purpose 6 . When combined with free hyaluronic acid, which has properties for retaining water molecules, it regulates the rate of aminophylline elimination, thereby prolonging the drug's effect at the injection site and subsequently increasing the localized fat‐reducing effect.…”

“… 5 Although there is no clear evidence regarding its safety and efficacy mechanisms, reports from various studies suggest its effectiveness, leading to its widespread use in many medical institutions for this purpose. 6 When combined with free hyaluronic acid, which has properties for retaining water molecules, it regulates the rate of aminophylline elimination, thereby prolonging the drug's effect at the injection site and subsequently increasing the localized fat‐reducing effect. The promotion of fat breakdown by xanthine derivatives is explained through three pathways: Firstly, by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type IIIB, thereby increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate and inducing protein kinase activation.…”