Postpartum stretchmarks: repairing activity of an oral Centella asiatica supplementation (Centellicum®)

BACKGROUND: This registry study evaluates the effects of oral Centellicum®, a new preparation of Centella asiatica (CA) on cutaneous stretchmarks (SMs) on the lower abdominal wall in comparison with the topical treatment with a specific antistretch cream. This cream is used for pregnancy SMs. The aim of the management was to give back to the structurally damaged skin areas (apparent as SMs) a normal elasticity and resistance and improving the local microcirculation. METHODS: We selected 78 healthy women with SMs at least 6 months postpartum available to follow the registry plan. The subjects were evaluated in three treatment groups: Clarins, stretch mark minimizer, the hydrating control cream and Centellicum® 3X225 mg/day for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The three registry groups of otherwise healthy subjects were comparable at inclusion and 6 weeks: 25 women used the SMs cream 1 (mean age 34.4;3.2); 28 control women (age 35.2;2) used the hydrating control cream. The third group (25 women; mean age 35.3;1.5) used the hydrating control cream and oral Centellicum® as a supplementary management. Standard management was used in all groups. As for the safety issue, no allergy, no side effects and no tolerability problems were observed. The compliance was very good and there were no drop outs. No other drug or treatment was used during the registry period. Skin thickness (ultrasound, measuring at the edge of at the largest visible stretchmark) increased significantly more at 6 weeks with Centellicum® in comparison with both controls (P<0.05). Skin thickness at the center of the SM (skin was less dense at this level) was also increased more with the supplement in comparison with the other managements (P<0.05). The grey scale median improved more (increased) with Centellicum at 6 weeks (P<0.05). The skin included more collagen components and become whiter or denser at ultrasound. Skin perfusion measured by laser Doppler showed a higher improvement with Centellicum® (P<0.05). Skin temperature, considered a function of nutritional and thermoregulatory dermal perfusion, improved more with the supplement (P<0.05). Elasticity (measured by elastosonography) was improved more with the supplement (P<0.05). The subjective evaluation with an analogue score resulted better (the SMs were less visible and the score decreased) with Centellicum® (P<0.05). The number of visible SMs was decreased more with Centellicum® (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation with Centellicum® appears to improve SMs in a relatively short period of time. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the protective and repairing potentials of CA.