Natural Health
Scar formation and the role of collagen
When your skin, your cardio-vascular system or other organs are injured – after accidents, surgeries or diseases – your body replaces damaged tissues with collagen. This process is called "scarring".
Scars are fibrous tissues made of collagen, which replace injured ones.
Although scar formation is your body’s natural healing response, it sometimes generates excessive tissues, visible as postpartum stretch marks or surgical scars.
Modulating collagen synthesis test
Collagen plays a key role in proper and fast healing. However, too much collagen may generate excessive fibrous tissues (fibrosis), arterial stenosis (plaque) or others.
Not enough collagen, on the contrary, will not provide necessary tissue for scar healing. In the case of atherosclerosis, lack of collagen may potentially lead to the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque.
Therfore, it is crucial your body be able to properly modulate collagen synthesis for optimal healing.
Science
Centellicum® for stretch marks, surgical scars and more
Centellicum® for stretch marks and surgical scars
Post-partum stretch marks – or striae gravidarum – is the scarring of the skin of the abdomen. It is caused by the rapid expansion of the uterus and weight gain during pregnancy. According to recent studies, about 90% of women are affected.
Two studies have shown Centellicum® to help improve surgical scars as well as stretch marks in pregnant women. Centellicum® appears to promote tissue regeneration and engage in tissue remodelling.
Clinical Research on Stretch Marks
A clinical study on 78 women at least 6 months postpartum evaluated the effects of Centellicum® on cutaneous stretch marks on the lower abdominal wall in comparison with a topical treatment, an anti-stretch cream.
Quantitative parameters were used to assess the cutaneous regeneration associated to the "healing" - or improvement - of thickness of the epidermis and the dermis, as well as the dermal density, hydration and elasticity.
Clinical Research on Surgical Scars
Another clinical study, on 129 subjects at high risk of keloids (overgrowth of scar tissues) following mid-abdominal, inguinal or knee surgery, evaluated the effects of Centellicum® on scar healing, regularity, homogeneity and appearance.
A total of 64 scars were analyzed within the control group and 65 in the Centellicum® group. The ultrasound-assessed scar tissue regularity was on average significantly lower in controls than in Centellicum® subjects. Scars also appeared to be significantly more homogeneous in the Centellicum® group compared to controls.
More Research
Patented combination with Pycnogenol® for Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis. What is it?
Atherosclerosis represents an alteration of arteries, in which fat deposits and debris progressively clog blood vessels. Cells in the blood, attempting to remove debris, in turn succumb, adding further debris to blood vessels. Over time, plaque tends to become hard and to narrow the arteries.
The narrowing of the arteries affects nutrient and oxygen supplies to body tissues. An affected individual would typically experience a faster onset of fatigue. Atherosclerosis can lead to more serious problems including stroke, heart attack or even death.
Centellicum® combined with Pycnogenol® for Atherosclerosis
Several studies revealed the combination of Centellicum® and Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract provide powerful benefits. The combination helps reducing plaque progression by a compelling 95%. This unique natural ingredients combination is patented and trademarked under the brand Pycno®Centella.
The following studies demonstrated how Pycno®Centella helps to
- prevent the progression of atherosclerotic plaque,
- improve arterial plaque stability,
- decrease number and size of arterial plaques, and
- decrease oxidative stress.
Arterial Plaque
Improvement in number, size and stability of plaques
Plaque Progression Rate
Slower progression rate of arterial plaque
Better Arterial Score
and Reduction in the Need for Treatment
Dupuytren's contracture
Centellicum® for Palmar Fibromatosis
Palmar Fibromatosis
Palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren’s contracture) is a condition in which the palm's tissue covering the finger tendons scars and thickens. The damaged tissue, called "palmar fascia" shortens and becomes tight. As a results, fingers contract toward the palm.
Usually Palmar fibromatosis does not occur until after the age of 50. It seems to be more common in men than women and genetics can play some role too. Risk factors include alcohol abuse, smoking, diabetes and activities including repetitive vibration.
Centellicum®'s Benefits for Palmar Fibromatosis
In a recent clinical study with 28 patients with post-traumatic bilateral palmar fibromatosis, Centellicum® was shown to help to:
- relieve symptoms of palmar fibromatosis
- improve hand mobility and flexibility, and to reduce pain
- decrease echogenicity by modulating the presence of collagen and reducing fibrosis
- increase strength in the hand
Centellicum®
A science-based solution to help improve health naturally
Continuous investment in research by Horphag Research
To date, more than 10 clinical trials have shown how Centellicum® can help improve several health conditions. Horphag Research's research pipeline comprises new, exciting and innovative projects to address various health conditions.
Inspired by individuals of all ages and their quest to look, feel and live better, Horphag Research's research and development team continues looking into the future and invest in safe, efficacious, and science-based natural health solutions that truly improve the quality of your life.
About Horphag Research
Horphag Research, is the worldwide distributor for Centellicum® centella asiatica extract, Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract and Robuvit®, French oak wood extract. Centellicum®, Pycnogenol® and Robuvit® are registered trademarks of Horphag Research Ltd. For its patented ingredient Pycnogenol®, Horphag Research has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award, Nutraceutical Business & Technology Safety & Quality Award, SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and The American Botanical Council’s Tyler Research Award. Horphag Research benefits from more than 40 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of its health ingredients.
For more information, visit www.centellicum.com, www.pycnogenol.com and www.robuvit.com.
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