Abstract

 Malassezia furfur is a lipophilic and dermatological pathogenic yeast, which normally exists on human skin, and causes tinea versicolor, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis, especially on human scalp. The multi-herb extraction VGP which consists of Vitex trifolia fruit, Gentiana scabra, and Polygonum multiflorum root extract was used to study its effect of anti-inflammation, controlling sebum and dandruff on scalp care. Results showed that on the model of NHEK and THP1 cell inflammation induced by Malassezia furfur, VGP can inhibit the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner under 0.01% to 0.125% concentration. On the inflammatory model of 3D reconstructed skin induced by H₂O₂, VGP significantly improved the cell viability and skin structure, and reduced the production of interleukin 8 (IL-8), PGE-2, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). During 4 week’s treatment with test shampoo contained 0.5% VGP thrice a week on 16 subjects met with different symptom, VGP reduced the sebum content and TEWL, improved the redness, itching and dandruff on human scalp skin. Therefore, as a natural active ingredient VGP can play a role in scalp care and skin care by targeting inflammation.