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

Reygagne P

Published in Beneficial Microbes

Methodology

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral L. paracasei NCC2461 ST11 for 56 days with clinical scoring of adherent and non-adherent dandruff, itching, sebum levels and scalp Malassezia counts.

Key Findings

In 60 volunteers with moderate to severe dandruff, oral Lactobacillus paracasei ST11 for 56 days significantly reduced adherent dandruff flakes and scalp itching and sebum versus placebo, with improvements most marked in participants with severe baseline dandruff and persisting during follow-up.

Conclusions

An oral probiotic reduced dandruff severity in a placebo-controlled trial, suggesting a systemic route to scalp health beyond topical antifungals, though replication is needed.

Limitations

Modest sample, 8-week treatment period, clinician flake scoring with inherent subjectivity, industry funding by the probiotic manufacturer, and no comparison against standard antifungal shampoos.