The present invention describes compositions and methods for improving the appearance of skin, particularly, treating, preventing, ameliorating, reducing and/or eliminating excess accumulation or production of subcutaneous fat, such as cellulite, or conditions related to excess accumulation, production, or excretion of sebum, such as acne, an oily complexion, oily hair or scalp, or undesirable body odor, by topically applying compositions comprising Alisma orientate constituents, or extracts therefrom.
1. A method of ameliorating, reducing, or treating excess subcutaneous fat production, comprising topically applying to a subject in need thereof, a topical composition consisting essentially of:
a cosmetically, dermatologically, pharmaceutically, or physiologically effective amount of Alisma orientate or an extract thereof sufficient to reduce a condition selected from the group consisting of excess subcutaneous fat, upregulation of PPAR receptors, upregulation of stearoyl CoA desaturase, upregulation of adiponectin production, and/or any combinations thereof, and
a cosmetically, dermatologically, pharmaceutically, or physiologically acceptable vehicle;
wherein the topical composition is applied in an amount effective to ameliorate, reduce, or treat excess fat production in an area of non-diseased skin, thereby improving the skin's aesthetic appearance.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the extract is derived from a rhizome of an Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep plant.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said composition is applied for a period of time effective to ameliorate, reduce, and/or treat excess subcutaneous fat production.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied by daily topical application for at least one week.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plant extract is present in an amount of about 0.0001 weight % to about 50 weight % based on the total weight of the composition.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plant extract is present in an amount of about 0.001 weight % to about 20 weight % based on the total weight of the composition.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said composition is applied to an area of skin in need thereof, in an amount sufficient to improve the condition and/or aesthetic appearance of the skin, and wherein the condition is cellulite.