Melon juice extract reduces cellulite on thighs (but not stomach): Study
Its SOD B Dimpless dry melon juice significantly reduced cellulite in the randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study with 41 healthy women with cellulite between the ages of 31 and 50, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23-30.
The women received SOD or placebo for 56 consecutive days.
Addressing the apparent lack of function of the product on stomach cellulite, the researchers wrote: “It is more difficult to obtain significant visible difference on the stomach as fat nodes in this area are less pronounced than on thighs.”
C ellulite results from the expansion of fat lobules, adipose tissue protrusions into the dermis and changes in connective tissue fibres leading to fibrosis.
Body parts
There are no accepted standards for measuring cellulite severity, so a visual assessment was made of laser-scanned images by a physician. It was found that the product did not induce a significant visual decrease in fat nodules on the stomach, but it did so on thighs, providing a reduction of 9.5% on average by day 28 and 11.3% by day 56, compared to the placebo.
A reduction was observed in 71% of subjects at day 28 and in 67% at day 56.
According to Bionov, cellulite is mainly due to hormonal problems and affects 85-98% of post-pubertal females of all races, making it a pressing health and beauty concern. Study author, Benoit Lemaire of Bionov told Nutraingredients: “Only few products exist today in the oral supplementation market, essentially due to the absence of scientifically demonstrated active ingredients targeting the main cause of cellulite i.e. fibrosis.
“This, combined with the considerable prevalence of cellulite, allows full innovation in the market of anti-cellulite products by oral route.”
The product, which was launched in 2012, is currently used in tablets, gels and capsules, instant drinks and topical formulations in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Finland and Sweden and has recently launched in the US.
The company said a second major clinical study is currently under way with cellulite and connective tissue fibrosis determined endpoints.
Earlier this year, Bionov announced a strategic partnership with flavours and fragrances supplier Robertet to help them boost the use of SOD B in food applications. They hope to have first results in 2016.
Source: Phytothérapie
Published online, 29 September 2015, pp 1-6. doi:10.1007/s10298-015-0977-4
“Étude clinique d’une SuperOxide Dismutase de melon naturelle et bioactive (SOD B Dimpless) sur la cellulite”
Authors: B. Lemaire, S. Le Quéré, G. Simoneau, D. Lacon
