Objectives/Background Sensitive scalp (SSc) is a skin condition characterized by various unpleasant reactions. Plant extracts, particularly Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo (L. rotata) , are used for their natural antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of sensitive scalp. Methods We extracted the active ingredient in L. rotata and used it to improve SSc. We recruited 30 volunteers with SSc using a 10Q questionnaire. The volunteers were asked to apply a 0.5% extract of L. rotata to their affected scalps on a regular basis. The volunteers’ scalp microbiome was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing, and non-invasive physiological indices were assessed. Results After two weeks (tw2) of treatment, epidermal water loss (TEWL), temperature and pH decreased significantly, while scalp moisture (CM) and sebum (SM) levels remained stable. Furthermore, analysis of the scalp microbiome revealed a decrease in the ratio of Malassezia restricta to Malassezia globosa from 14.57 to 3.65, and an increase in the ratio of Cutibacterium acnes to Staphylococcus capitis from 0.93 to 1.82. Conclusion L. rotata extracts were found to be effective in repairing the scalp barrier and modulating the microbiota, thereby alleviating symptoms such as itching, burning, tightness and redness associated with bacterial and fungal activity.
Wu et al. (Sun,) studied this question.