Body contouring using an oral herbal antioxidant formulation – Centelaplus: a dose controlled observational study

Abstract

Many herbal substances possess powerful metabolic properties which can greatly affect the functioning of the body. For example, Gingko biloba has major effects on peripheral blood flow and has also been shown to prevent sodium loss from the circulatory system into the interstitial fluid, reducing oedema.1 Centella asiatica, Aesculus hippocastanum, Vitis vinifera, apart from their effects on connective tissue metabolism, are also known for their antioxidant properties. In vitro studies using proanthocyanidin A2 (PA2), a polyphenol derived from Aesculus hippocastanum, have shown it to be a stronger scavenger of hydrophilic HO• radicals than α-tocopherol.2 Asiaticoside from Centella asiatica, known for its effectiveness in speeding wound healing, has recently been shown to elevate enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants during the wound healing process.3 These potent modulators of metabolic function have the potential to affect a multitude of physiological functions, some of which may alter body shape by reducing fluid retention, changing hormone function by modulating receptor sensitivity, acting as thermogenic agents or inhibiting lipogenesis. We report here the results from a dose controlled observational study, examining the potential of Centelaplus, to affect body shape by causing significant changes in the anatomical measurements of the participating women.