The positive benefit of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 ST11 in healthy volunteers with moderate to severe dandruff

Abstract

Dandruff is a common persistent, relapsing inflammatory condition affecting the scalp. An imbalanced proportion of the major bacterial and fungal populations colonising the scalp, a skin barrier dysfunction, and hyperseborrhoea are three main etiological factors of dandruff. The efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 ST11 (ST11) to manage dandruff and to restore a balanced scalp microbiome was assessed. Sixty healthy male volunteers aged 18 to 60 years with moderate to severe dandruff consumed on a daily basis a sachet containing ST11 (1×10 cfu) or a placebo for 56 days. Clinical efficacy (free and adherent dandruff, erythema, scalp seborrhoea, global clinical score), subject self-assessments, safety reporting as well as scalp microbiota assessments were performed every two weeks (day 1, 15, 29, 43, 57 and 64/follow-up). Free and adherent dandruff, erythema and the global clinical score improved significantly (all P<0.05) over time in the ST11 group and as compared to the placebo when day 57 was compared to day 1. Self-assessments paralleled these findings. ST11 enhanced restoring the scalp microbiota after 56 days of supplementation when compared to the placebo. No adverse events were reported. Regular intake of ST11 over 56 days is safe and reduces significantly the severity of signs and symptoms of moderate to severe dandruff. Its efficacy is potentially due to its positive impact on the skin barrier and skin immune system.

Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions

“…Some deviations have been detected in the intestinal mucosa of patients with seborrheic dermatitis [287]. A clinical study on probiotics consumption (Lactobacillus paracasei strain) found significant improvements in severity and symptoms of moderate to severe dandruff compared to a placebo treatment [126]. However, the influence of the gut microbiome composition on seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff remains to be elucidated.…”

Probiotics in the Therapeutic Arsenal of Dermatologists

“…In addition to the pathologies mentioned above, new lines of research are being opened to identify possible benefits of treatment with probiotics in other dermatological disorders. These other pathologies in which the influence of the intestinal microbiota and probiotic treatment on its evolution are currently being studied are rosacea [ 73 ], vitiligo [ 74 ], seborrheic dermatitis [ 75 ], hidradenitis suppurativa [ 64 , 75 ], dandruff [ 76 ] and ulcers [ 77 ]. The results in these pathologies are very preliminary and there are no clinical studies with a considerable number of patients, so it will be necessary to wait for the results of the works currently in progress to assess the possible efficacy of probiotics in these other skin disorders.…”

Effect of a Multispecies Probiotic on Intestinal and Skin Colonization by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Patients in a Long-Term Care Facility: A Pilot Study

“…Probiotics have been demonstrated to exert beneficial effects on skin health [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]. For example, a two month supplementation of Lactobacillus paracasei decreased skin sensitivity and increased the rate of barrier function recovery in a placebo-controlled trial [ 43 ].…”