The present invention describes compositions and methods for improving the appearance of skin, particularly, treating, ameliorating, preventing, delaying, and/or improving one or more signs of excess accumulation and/or production of subcutaneous fat, such as cellulite, and conditions related thereto, by topically applying compositions comprising Eclipta prostrata extracts or other anti-lipid agents.
1. A method for improving the appearance of skin affected by cellulite comprising topically applying thereto an effective amount of an extract of Eclipta prostrata in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle for a time sufficient to improve the appearance of said skin.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said Eclipta prostrata extract is in combination with at least one other anti-lipid agent.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one other anti-lipid agent comprises at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a phophodiesterase inhibitor, an adenylate cyclase activator, a lipolysis stimulator, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, and an alpha-2-adreneric receptor antagonist.
4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one other anti-lipid agent comprises at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a xanthine analog, forskolin, a forskohlii extract, a hawthorne extract, a cola extract, isoproterenol, yohimbine, Ginkgo biloba extract, and perilla oil.
5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one other anti-lipid agent is caffeine.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said Eclipta prostrata extract is in combination with at least one collagen and/or elastin stimulator.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said Eclipta prostrata extract is in combination with carnitine, creatine, and/or a carnitine creatinate salt.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said cellulite is found on a thigh, buttocks, abdomen, hip, and/or upper arm region.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said composition is a leave-on composition.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said topical application comprises daily application for a period of at least 4 weeks.
11. A method for improving the appearance of skin affected by cellulite comprising topically applying thereto a composition comprising a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) inhibitor in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle in an amount effective to decrease adipocyte differentiation and/or intracellular triglyceride production and/or accumulation in adipocytes in said area of skin, for a time sufficient to improve the appearance of said skin; wherein said PPARγinhibitor is an Eclipta prostrate extract, and
wherein said PPARγinhibitor further inhibits stearoyl-CoA desaturasel (SCD1) and/or further stimulates tenascin-X production.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein said PPARγinhibitor is in combination with at least one other anti-lipid agent.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein said at least one other anti-lipid agent comprises at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a phophodiesterase inhibitor, an adenylate cyclase activator, a lipolysis stimulator, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, and an alpha-2-adreneric receptor antagonist.
14. The method according to claim 12 , wherein said at least one other anti-lipid agent comprises at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a xanthine analog, forskolin, a forskohlii extract, a hawthorne extract, a cola extract, isoproterenol, yohimbine, Ginkgo biloba extract, and perilla oil.
15. The method according to claim 12 , wherein said at least one other anti-lipid agent is caffeine.
16. The method according to claim 11 , wherein said cellulite is found on a thigh, buttocks, abdomen, hip, and/or upper arm region.
17. The method according to claim 11 , wherein said composition is a leave-on composition.
18. The method according to claim 11 , wherein said topical application comprises daily application for a period of at least 4 weeks.
19. A method for reducing the re-occurrence of cellulite in an area previously affected by cellulite comprising topically applying thereto an effective amount an extract of Eclipta prostrata in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
20. A method for reducing obesity comprising topically applying to an area affected by unwanted fat deposition and/or accumulation an effective amount an extract of Eclipta prostrata in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, for a time sufficient to reduce said unwanted fat.
21. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising allowing said extract to mix with a gel before and/or upon said topical application, wherein said gel comprises an agent for imparting a cooling sensation to the skin.