Ruscogenin and your skin

Vein protection, circulation, water retention, cellulite

Ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, two natural chemicals extracted from the butcher's broom (ruscus aculeatus) plant, have been found in numerous clinical studies to protect and tone veins and thereby boost circulation and fight water retention. 

RUSCOGENIN CREAM

Ruscogenins are ideal as active ingredients in creams for water retention, under-eye bags and cellulite. However due to their prohibitive cost they are rarely used. Instead a low concentration butcher's broom extract is typically used [the Celluence® Phase One+Two cellulite creams are the only creams in the world to contain PURE ruscogenin (95%+ purity) with 39 other actives, for maximum result with cellulite reduction and overall leg wellness.

14+ ways Ruscogenin/ Butcher's broom...

...helps fight water retention, under-eye bags and cellulite

4/ Ruscus aculeatus improves venulre contraction and protects veins from histamine-induced hyper-permeability...

...inflammation and free radical damage. In comparison to diosmin, ruscus is more effective and its results last longer.

[Source: Effects of venotonic drugs on the microcirculation: Comparison between Ruscus extract and micronized diosmine]
 

3/ Phlebitis ulcers heal with the aid of herbal cream consisting of horse chestnut, butcher's broom, allantoin and hyaluronic acid

This herbal compound, in combination with compression garments, significantly improved inflammation, healing time and pain in phlebitis, in relation to compression garments alone. Ivy extract in the cream contributed to pain reduction; horse chestnut, butcher's broom and grape seed extract reduced inflammation; and allantoin, gotu kola and hyaluronic acid aided sore healing. In patients who applied both the cream and the compression garment pain stopped in 72 hours, inflammation disappeared in one week, tissue swelling stopped in one week and healing was complete in 4 weeks.

[Source: Multicentric study on a topical compound with lymph-draining action in the treatment of the phlebostatic ulcer of the inferior limbs]

2/ Review paper suggests butcher's broom for the treatment of varicose veins

The loss of vascular integrity is associated with the pathogenesis of varicose veins. Several botanical extracts (horse chestnut/aesculus, butcher's broom/ruscus, gotu kola, flavonoids and pine bark) have been shown to improve microcirculation, capillary flow and vascular tone, and to strengthen the connective tissue of the perivascular amorphous substrate. Oral supplementation with may prevent time-consuming, painful, and expensive complications of varicose veins and hemorrhoids

[Source: Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options]

1/ ruscus aculeatus / ruscogenin protects blood vessels by preventing the breakdown of elastin

In this study scientists examined how effective these three herbs and their active chemicals  were in fighting the breakdown of elastin and hyaluronic acid, both very important components of the basic substance that surrounds and protects blood vessels. The study has shown that ruscogenin from butcher's broom was very effective in preventing the breakdown of elastin but ineffective in protecting hyaluronic acid; escin from horse chestnut was effective only in protecting hyaluronic acid; oleanolic acid and hederagenin from ivy are effective in preventing the breakdown of elastin as well as hyaluronic acid. Of course, hyaluronidase and elastase inhibition are only two of the many different ways in which those three well researched and widely used plants help protect blood vessels and boost circulation / lymphatic drainage.

[Source: Anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase activities of saponins and sapogenins from Hedera helix, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Ruscus aculeatus: factors contributing to their efficacy in the treatment of venous insufficiency]

Hesperidin, ascorbic acid and butcher's broom improve vein function and circulation

The combination of ruscus aculeatus, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and hesperidin has been found to improve capillary structure and chronic venous hypertension, and for these reasons it is ideal for inclusion in anti-cellulite / leg wellness creams.

Source 1: Use of microcirculatory parameters to evaluate clinical treatments of chronic venous disorder (CVD).

Abstract 1: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes on cutaneous microangiopathy in chronic venous disorder (CVD) after use of Cirkan [venotonic drug containing Ruscus aculeatus (plant extract), hesperidine methylchalcone (flavonoid) and vitamin C], elastic compression stockings (ECS) or no treatment for four weeks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five female patients (85 legs), 25 to 57 years, with at least one limb classified as C2,s or C2,3,s (CEAP classification), were allocated consecutively, according to entrance order, in these three groups. Ten healthy women age-matched were also investigated. Using orthogonal polarization spectral technique (noninvasive method), measurements of functional capillary density (FCD, number of capillaries with flowing red blood cells/mm(2)), capillary morphology (CM, % of abnormal capillaries/mm(2)) and diameters (mum) of dermal papilla (DDP), capillary bulk (DCB) and capillary limb (CD) were obtained on the medial perimalleolar region and later analyzed using CapImage software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: CVD patients showed significant changes on CD and CM compared to healthy subjects in agreement with our previous findings (J Vasc Surg 43:1037-1044, 2006). On Cirkan-treated patients, after 4 weeks, CD decreased on both limbs and CM improved on the left one, suggesting an amelioration of the chronic venous hypertension. No significant changes could be detected on other patient groups. These results confirm the existence of microcirculatory dysfunction in early stages of CVD, probably due to post-capillary hypertension, and further support the venotonic action of Cirkan.

Source 2: Clinical and capillaroscopic evaluation in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with Ruscus aculeatus, hesperidin methylchalcone and ascorbic acid in venous insufficiency treatment of ambulatory patients.

Abstract AIM: Clinical and capillaroscopic evaluation of an association of Ruscus aculeatus, hesperidin methylchalcone (HMC) and ascorbic acid in chronic venous insufficiency METHODS: A prospective, multicenter and open clinical study. Chronic venous insufficiency patients were studied using clinical, etiological, anatomical, physiological classification (CEAP) symptom scale. Symptomatology, CEAP scale, and baseline, 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-week skin capillaroscopy were assessed. Treatment consisted of two capsules per day of Ruscus aculeatus 150 mg/HMC 150 mg/ascorbic acid 100 mg during 8 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were studied, 109 female (89.28%), with a mean age of 52.5 (33-80+9.8). Initial intense reports were 79% pain, 85% heaviness, 74% cramps, 82% edema, decreasing to 20%, 12%, 8% and 14%, respectively, within two weeks, and symptomatology being absent at the end of treatment. Capillaroscopy changes at treatment completion were: 98% to 20% inter-capillary fluid decrease; 80% to 20% efferent loop thickening; 5% to 2% peri-capillary bed, and 5% to 4% mega-capillaries. CONCLUSION: Severe symptom decrease started from the second week until there were no symptoms at the end of treatment. It is the first time morphologic changes were observed in chronic venous insufficiency through capillaroscopy following a pharmacological intervention. Capillary-level effect was proportional to symptom decrease. Improvement was seen from the second week of treatment.

How the butcher's broom extract ruscogenin, together with hesperidin and vitamin C improves quality of life in patients with chronic circulation problems

The combination of Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom), hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) and ascorbic acid has been tested before on patients with lower limb chronic venous insufficiency and was found effective in reducing water retention and improving vein tone. In this study patients with chronic venous disorders (CVD) were assessed after 12 weeks of taking a nutritional supplement comprising of the three actives mentioned above. At the  conclusion of the study it was found that "all clinical symptoms significantly improved with treatment, especially for patients with higher body mass index and heavier pathology. Ankle circumference, which reveals the extension of water retention decreased over time, gradually decreased and both the physical and psychological dimensions of quality of life significantly increased over time and improved in all types of patients. The researchers concluded that" "A 12-week treatment with ruscus aculeatus,  HMC and ascorbic acid showed a significant decrease in clinical symptoms and a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients with chronic venous disorder". The results are unsurprising, given the well-studied circulation-enhancing and blood vessel-protecting effects these separate actives have on their own. Given that poor circulation is an important aspect of cellulite, this combination is also ideal for the treatment of cellulite, both when taken orally (food supplement) or applied locally (cellulite cream). Other active ingredients, in addition to the above three, would offer enhanced synergy and maximum results.

Source: Quality of life improvement in Latin American patients suffering from chronic venous disorder using a combination of Ruscus aculeatus and hesperidin methyl chalcone and ascorbic acid (quality study).

Abstract: AIM: The present study assessed the effect of Ruscus aculeatus, hesperidin methyl-chalcone and ascorbic acid (HMC-AA), in the treatment of chronic venous disorders (CVD) in Latin American patients. METHODS: This study is an observational, single arm, multicentric and prospective trial. Patients suffering from CVD and belonging to C0s-C3 Clinical Etiological Anatomical and Physiopathological (CEAP) classes were included. Patient profiles, risk factors, clinical symptomatology and quality of life (QoL) assessed by SF-12 and CIVIQ questionnaires were evaluated at inclusion and after 12-week treatment. RESULTS: The main factors influencing the previous management of patients were age, gender, body mass index (BMI), familial history, physical activity, exposure to heat, heavy loads lifting, profession and clinical characteristics. All clinical symptoms significantly improved with treatment and, as BMI and CEAP classes increased. Ankle circumferences decreased over time, correlating with BMI and CEAP classes. The physical and psychological dimensions of the SF-12 score significantly increased over time and improved within each CEAP class. The CIVIQ score significantly improved over time, correlating with age and CEAP classes. CONCLUSION: A 12-week treatment with Ruscus aculeatus HMC-AA showed a significant decrease in the clinical symptoms and a significant improvement in the QoL of patients with CVD.

Patient satisfaction with hesperidin, ascorbic acid and ruscogenin for the treatment of chronic venous disease (clinical study)

In a study comparing patient satisfaction of different therapies of advanced stage chronic venous disease it was found that of the 780 patients studied, and after six weeks of treatment, 71.3% were satisfied after surgical intervention; 51.4% with a natural vasoactive drug (supplement) consisting of ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom), HMC (hesperidin) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C); and 43% with compression therapy (pressotherapy / bandaging). In the drug/supplement group,  "out of 377 patients with active venous ulcers smaller than 200 cm2, 18% have been cured, and 66.6% have improved during 6-week period of observation! The researchers concluded that effects exerted on veins, capillaries and lymphatic vessels by the vasoactive supplement/drug explain the positive results observed in this study. All three components of the drug, i.e. ruscus, ascorbic acid and hesperidin are well researched and widely established for their natural and safe vein / circulation / lymphatic drainage supporting action, and they are valuable ingredients, taken either orally (supplements) or locally (creams) in the fight against venous insufficiency, water retention, poor circulation and cellulite. Given that new, more advanced vasoactive supplements exist today, if those newer, more advanced products were used, most probably an even higher number of customer satisfaction would have been recorded.

Source: Patients' satisfaction with therapy methods of advanced chronic venous disease.

Abstract AIM: To assess patients' satisfaction from the therapy of advanced chronic venous disorders (CVD) in everyday clinical practice in Poland, and to compare the efficacy of various venoactive drugs (VADs) in venous ulcers healing process. METHODS: 780 unselected adult patients with active (N=441) or healed (N=339) venous ulcers participated in the non-interventional observational 6-week study. RESULTS: Compression therapy and VADs were utilized by 81.5% and 89.2% of patients respectively. 31.2% of all patients underwent surgical procedures for vein incompetence, 61.3% were satisfied with surgical methods, 43% with compression therapy, and 32.6% with VADs - with highest rate of satisfied patients in the group taking Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid (51.4%). Of 377 patients with active venous ulcers smaller than 200 cm2, adherent to VADs, 18.0% have been cured, and 66.6% have improved during 6-week period of observation. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the compression therapy [OR=2.74], the size of ulcer ≤ 10 cm2 [OR=2.70] were increasing the change of ulcer healing. No VADs was better than another in the healing process. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Compression therapy and VADs are highly utilized by patients with advanced CVD. 2) Patients are more satisfied with surgical than conservative treatment of advanced CVD. 3) More than half of the patients with the advanced stage CVD taking Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid is satisfied with the obtained improvement. 4) Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid is similarly effective as other frequently used VADs in venous ulcer healing. 5. Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid exerting effects on veins, capillaries and lymphatic vessels may explain the positive results observed in this study.

Hesperidin and butcher's broom improve circulation on lower legs / calves

In a double blind, cross over clinical trial, it was found that the combination of Ruscus aculeatus / (butcher's broom), hesperidin and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) improved vein function and venous disease in the lower legs (calves), especially after taking the supplement. Those three natural actives are well known for their vein / circulation supporting action and they are already used in anti-cellulite creams for this purpose.

Source: Use of extract of Ruscus aculeatus in venous disease in the lower limbs

Abstract: The effectiveness and tolerability of a venotropic drug (RAES) composed of an extract of Ruscus aculeatus (16.5 mg), hesperidin (75 mg) and ascorbic acid (50 mg) were evaluated in 40 patients (30 female, 10 male) aged between 28 and 74 years, suffering from chronic phlebopathy of the lower limbs. The cross-over, double-blind trial involved two periods of treatment of 2 months with the drug (2 capsules, 3 times/day) or with placebo, and an interim period of 15 days for wash-out. An overall tendency for improvement occurred that was more distinct during the periods of treatment with the drug. In fact, symptoms and plethysmographic parameters (in particular MVIV 40 and 60) immediately changed significantly in correspondence with the administration of RAES. The biological and clinical tolerability were excellent.

Butcher's broom / ruscus aculeatus as a treatment for orthostatic hypotension

Butcher's broom / ruscus aculeatus is well-known for it's circulation-boosting, venotonic and vein-protective action. This same action makes ruscus an ideal anti-cellulite cream active ingredient. This study suggests that treatment with ruscus is ideal for orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure while standing) and is effective even in hot weather. Ruscus works by boosting vein constriction via stimulating a1 and a2 adrenoreceptors on vein walls, and also protects the endothelial lining and smooth muscles of fragile capillaries from damage. And in contrast to low blood pressure medication, ruscus does not cause supine hypertension (high blood pressure).

Source: Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom) as a potential treatment for orthostatic hypotension, with a case report.

Abstract: CONTEXT: Chronic orthostatic hypotension (OH) is frequently a severely debilitating disease that affects large groups of the population with autonomic insufficiency--the elderly; patients with diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome; and anyone on drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system. Unfortunately, even though more than 60 medications are currently being used to treat OH, none of them is particularly or consistently effective. Ruscus aculeatus, a phytotherapeutic agent that is well known in Europe, may, however, change this. Its vasoconstrictive and venotonic properties make it ideally suited to treat the pooling of blood in the limbs, lack of venous tone, and lack of neurally mediated vasoconstriction that frequently characterize OH. Although it has never been suggested as a treatment for OH, it already has a long, proven record of use in Europe for treating a variety of circulatory disorders. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for what appears to be an effective, safe, inexpensive botanical therapy for OH and encourage further studies on the efficacy of Ruscus for OH patients. DESIGN: Review of OH and therapies currently available for OH and evaluation of the properties of Ruscus aculeatus, its mechanism of action, and its suitability as a therapeutic agent for treatment of OH. RESULTS: A review of the many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents for treating OH reveals that all of the drug therapies are disappointing and marginally useful. Although nonpharmacologic management is preferred, in the many cases in which OH becomes debilitating, pharmacologic intervention becomes a last resort. But drug therapy may not always be necessary, because Ruscus aculeatus, a phytotherapeutic agent containing ruscogenins and flavonoids, may prove useful for the treatment of OH if denervation is not so advanced that it has compromised receptor activity at the venous wall. Ruscus aculeatus is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes venous constriction by directly activating postjunctional alpha1- and alpha2-receptors, in turn stimulating the release of noradrenaline at the level of the vascular wall. It also possesses venotonic properties: it reduces venous capacity and pooling of blood in the legs and exerts protective effects on capillaries, the vascular endothelium, and smooth muscle. Its flavonoid content strengthens blood vessels, reduces capillary fragility, and helps maintain healthy circulation. Unlike most of the drug therapies used to treat OH, Ruscus aculeatus does not cause supine hypertension. It also appears to do something no other therapy can offer - alleviate the worsening effects of OH in environmentally hot conditions. Finally, it is an extremely safe, inexpensive, over-the-counter botanical medicine. CONCLUSION: With proven phlebotherapeutic properties, including vasoconstrictive action and venotonic properties, Ruscus aculeatus shows great promise for ameliorating the symptoms of OH and improving the quality of life for large groups in the population. It clearly deserves to be the object of wider research and study as a treatment for OH.

Efficacy of ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom) extract in the treatment of lower leg poor circulation and water retention

Ruscus aculeaus (butcher's broom) extract is well known for it's action on circulation improvement and chronic vein insufficiency. The flavonoid hesperidin and Vitamin C are also well established vein toning natural chemicals. In a study assessing the effectiveness of the combination of these three venotonic chemicals, it was found that patients with chronic venous insufficiency that took 2 capsules a day for 60 days, experienced "significant decrease and regression of clinical symptoms and a reduction in lower limb circumference measured at the ankle were observed." Ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, found in butcher's broom extract, are important actives against poor circulation and, as expected, work better in combination with other circulation-enhancing actives. Local application, in the form of microcirculation-boosting or anti-cellulite creams and food supplements is warranted.

Source: A Study of the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Preparation Containing Ruscus aculeatus in the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Limbs

Abstract: Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of an extract of Ruscus aculeatus combined with hesperidin methyl chalcone and ascorbic acid (Cyclo 3 Fort®) in the treatment of uncomplicated chronic venous insufficiency. Design and Methods: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 60 patients with uncomplicated chronic venous insufficiency. The patients received two daily capsules of a Ruscus extract combination formulation or placebo for a period of 60 days. Results: During the period of treatment with the Ruscus extract combination formulation, a significant decrease and regression of clinical symptoms and a reduction in lower limb circumference measured at the ankle were observed. The overall assessment of efficacy in the 30 patients receiving the active drug combination showed an excellent result in 15 patients, good in 13 and moderate in two. Of the 30 patients receiving placebo, the results were excellent in four, good in 17, moderate in eight and insufficient in one. Tolerability was considered excellent in 23 cases, good in five and poor in two. Conclusion: It was concluded that Ruscus extract combined with hesperidin methyl chalcone and ascorbic acid is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with uncomplicated venous-lymphatic insufficiency of the lower limbs.

Butcher's broom / ruscus aculeatus extract helps reduce heavy tired legs and water retention in people suffering from oedema

Butcher's broom (ruscus aculeatus) extract has been used for decades for the treatment of lower leg oedema in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. This study has shown that ruscus helps reduce leg volume, circumference as well as heavy / tired legs, sensation of tension and tingling. Due to these properties, ruscus / butcher's broom is an important natural active for use in leg wellness / anti-celllulite creams.

Source: Efficacy and safety of a Butcher's broom preparation (Ruscus aculeatus L. extract) compared to placebo in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency.

Abstract: Extracts from Butcher's broom rhizome (Ruscus aculeatus) have been widely used in the oral treatment of lower leg edema in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. The aim of the present multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to confirm the efficacy and safety of a ruscus extract (Fagorutin Ruscus Kapseln) according to the latest scientific standards. 166 women suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (Widmer grade I and II, CEAP (Clinical signs, Etiological classification, Anatomic distribution, Pathophysiology) 3-4) were included. The data of 148 patients (30-89 years, 150-182 cm height, 49-97 kg body weight) with a mean disease duration of 14.6 years in the ruscus extract group and 15.1 years in the placebo group were eligible for the intent-to-treat-analysis. The primary parameter was the area under baseline of the leg volume changes over 12 weeks (AUB0-12). Secondary parameters were the changes in circumference of the lower leg and the ankle, changes in subjective symptoms and quality of life, the overall efficacy and tolerability and safety parameters. The study was carried out according to the guidelines for testing drugs for chronic venous insufficiency. There were significant differences between the treatment groups ruscus and placebo for the AUB0-12 (-827 ml x day), for the change of leg volume after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment (-16.5 ml and -20.5 ml), for changes in ankle and leg circumferences after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, and for the changes in subjective symptoms, heavy tired legs and sensation of tension (week 12). For the changes in the symptoms heavy lower legs, sensation of tension, and tingling sensation a significant positive correlation with the changes in leg volume was shown. Overall assessment of efficacy was significantly better for ruscus extract compared to placebo. Overall tolerability for both treatments was assessed as good and very good. Of all 48 adverse events occurring in both treatment groups, 22 were reported in the ruscus group, one of them was considered to be related to the study medication (unlikely). Considering the study duration of three months it is concluded, that ruscus extract, in the recommended daily dosage according to the German monograph, is a safe and effective treatment for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency.

Butcher's broom, circulation improvement and cellulite

The botanical extract of ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom), comprising the steroidal sapogenins ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, is used against haemorrhoids, chronic venous insufficiency, improvement of venous tone and stimulation of lymphatic drainage. Among other studies, a double-blind study on healthy volunteers showed a significant decrease in venous capacity and tissue volume. Due to it's effect on circulation improvement and lymph drainage, ruscogenins from butcher's broom are important actives in circulation-assisting and anti-cellulite creams and nutritional supplements, - ideally in combination with multiple similar natural actives, such as escin and rutin, for enhanced synergy.

Source: Der stechende Mäusedorn - Ruscus aculeatus L.

Abstract: Ruscus aculeatus is a medicinal plant of the Mediterranean region. This review covers its botany, composition, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical use. Extracts of the underground parts are mainly used to treat chronic venous insufficiency, while the isolated steroidal sapogenins, ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, are applied against haemorrhoids. Increase of the venous tone and stimulation of the lymphatic transport are evident from pharmacological data. Several uncontrolled studies indicate efficacy of the isolated sapogenins in the treatment of haemorrhoids. A double-blind study on healthy volunteers showed a significant decrease in venous capacity and tissue volume. The efficacy of Ruscus aculeatus in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency has not yet been proven in controlled clinical trials, as it has always been studied in combination with other active principles.

Ruscogenin helps microcirculation by fighting inflammation in veins

Ruscogenin, first isolated from the plant Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom), is well known - and has been used for centuries - for it's circulation and vein enhancing properties. Ruscogenin is also found in the traditional Chinese herb Radix Ophiopogon Japonicus. Previous studies have found ruscogenin to fight inflammation and blood clotting (thrombosis), which partially explain its effectiveness (ruscogenin also enhancing the action of adrenalin on small blood vessels). In this study scientists have shown that ruscogenin inhibits endothelial responses to inflammatory hormones / cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, produced during vascular diseases, such as phlebitis, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. This explains ruscogenin's anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic action on veins and goes to show that ruscogenin is an important ingredient for circulation-enhancing and anti-cellulite creams (poor circulation is an important aspect of cellulite).

Source: Possible mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of ruscogenin: role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB.

Abstract: "Ruscogenin (RUS), first isolated from Ruscus aculeatus, also a major steroidal sapogenin of traditional Chinese herb Radix Ophiopogon japonicus, has been found to exert significant anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities. Our previous studies suggested that ruscogenin remarkably inhibited adhesion of leukocytes to a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (ECV304) injured by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in a concentration-dependent manner. Yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the in vivo effects of ruscogenin on leukocyte migration and celiac prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) level induced by zymosan A were studied in mice. Furthermore, the effects of ruscogenin on TNF-alpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation were also investigated under consideration of their key roles in leukocyte recruitment. The results showed that ruscogenin significantly suppressed zymosan A-evoked peritoneal total leukocyte migration in mice in a dose-dependent manner, while it had no obvious effect on PGE(2) content in peritoneal exudant. Ruscogenin also inhibited TNF-alpha-induced over expression of ICAM-1 both at the mRNA and protein levels and suppressed NF-kappaB activation considerably by decreasing NF-kappaB p65 translocation and DNA binding activity. These findings provide some new insights that may explain the possible molecular mechanism of ruscogenin and Radix Ophiopogon japonicus for the inhibition of endothelial responses to cytokines during inflammatory and vascular disorders."

Effectiveness evaluation of an anti-cellulite cream containing retinol, caffeine and ruscogenin

Retinol, caffeine and ruscogenin (butcher's broom extract) are well-known natural anti-cellulite chemicals, which are used, in lower or higher concentrations, in many anti-cellulite creams. In this study, the efficacy of a cream containing the combination of all three actives was tried on a group of 46 women for 84 days. Skin texture, dermal and hypodermal structures, mechanical characteristics and superficial blood circulation were assessed using several non-invasive methods. At the end of the study the researchers concluded that both the orange peel appearance as well as circulation were significantly improved, in relation to placebo: "The association of the three tested active ingredients was significantly active on the 'orange peel' appearance of the skin, which is the most apparent manifestation of cellulite (53.1% at T84 versus 14.1% for the placebo)" "This combination of different evaluation methods resulted in the demonstration of significant activity of the anti-cellulite product versus baseline and showed its superiority versus the placebo in skin macrorelief (decrease of the "orange peel" effect) and an increase in cutaneous microcirculation" Clearly, cellulite creams do get absorbed (contrary to the urban myth that creams do not get absorbed) and they do work, especially if multiple natural actives are combined - especially in high concentrations.

Source: A double-blind evaluation of the activity of an anti-cellulite product containing retinol, caffeine, and ruscogenin by a combination of several non-invasive methods.

Abstract:  A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 46 healthy female volunteers in order to test an anti-cellulite product containing retinol, caffeine and ruscogenine. An evaluation of different parameters related to cellulite appearance, i.e. the skin macrorelief, the dermal and hypodermal structures, the skin mechanical characteristics, and the cutaneous flowmetry was assessed using several non-invasive methods. This combination of different evaluation methods resulted in the demonstration of significant activity of the anti-cellulite product versus baseline and showed its superiority versus the placebo in skin macrorelief (decrease of the "orange peel" effect) and an increase in cutaneous microcirculation. By using a combination of methods, it was possible to detail the activity of an anti-cellulite product and to show superiority of the product in comparison with the placebo.