Effects of a topical treatment with a dermo-cosmetic gel cream based on bromelain plus Mediterranean ingredients alone and in combination with the oral intake of a bromelain-based food supplement in women with edema and localized fat mass

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical dermo-cosmetic gel cream based on Mediterranean opuntia gel and blood orange extract, bromelain, and tocopherol, alone or in combination with the oral intake of a bromelain-based food supplement in reducing edema and localized fat mass. Forty healthy women presenting edema and cellulite were screened and enrolled. Subjects were randomly distributed into two groups: 20 subjects (group A) received a topical dermo-cosmetic gel cream based on Mediterranean opuntia gel and blood orange extract, bromelain, vitamin E, and menthyl lactate to apply to hips and legs; 20 subjects (group B) received the same gel cream product, to apply on hips and legs, plus a bromelain-based food supplement for oral intake; they were asked to follow the assigned treatment, once a day, for 56 consecutive days. The primary endpoints were: extracellular water (ECW) and leg and hips circumference. Secondary endpoints were: fat mass (FM), skin moisturization, skin elasticity, edematous state, and skin smoothness. Specific endpoint variables were analyzed at baseline time (T0), after 28 (T1) and 56 (T2) days of treatment. During the trial, no subject developed undesirable effects. The daily topical application of a gel cream containing bromelain, blood orange extract, and opuntia gel effectively reduced ECW, FM, hips, and leg circumference and improved skin moisturization elasticity and edematous state. Furthermore, the topical dermo-cosmetic gel cream application was characterized by good skin tolerability and smoothness, and a lower swelling and water retention were reported. The combination of the food supplement intake and topical dermo-cosmetic gel cream application showed a more significant improvement over time in ECW, hips, and leg circumference, which may be a helpful solution.