Dandruff is a common scalp condition where skin cells on the scalp shed excessively and cause unsightly white flakes on top of the head. The cause of dandruff is not completely understood, although heredity, hormonal fluctuations, illness, and stress are known to contribute to the development of dandruff. A yeast-like fungus that naturally lives on the scalp may also be a culprit. Previous studies suggest that an increase of the scalp fungus M. furfur is linked to dandruff formation. Slowing the growth of the fungus can reduce dandruff.
Over-the-counter and prescription strength dandruff shampoos can help fight dandruff. Now research reports that a llama fungal antibody targeting a specific protein on the surface of M. furfur may eliminate dandruff more effectively. Antibodies are proteins that fight disease and are formed by the immune system in response to infection. Shampoos that contain the fungal antibody can effectively get to the root of the dandruff by inhibiting the growth of M. furfur on the scalp.
The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, investigated the effects of antibody fragments on inhibiting scalp fungi causing dandruff. Researchers from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, vaccinated a llama with the M. furfur fungus three times a week, for five weeks. They extracted the antibodies produced by the llama's immune system to fight the fungus. The scientists then selected specific antibody fragments that bind to the cell wall protein of M. furfur.
The researchers found that the antibody fragments were still active against M. furfur when mixed with shampoo chemicals. The study authors plan to test shampoos containing the antibody fragments on the human scalp in future research.
REFERENCES:
1. Dolk E et al. Isolation of llama antibody fragments for prevention of dandruff by phage display in shampoo. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005 Jan;71(1):442-50.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 25, 2006 01:51 PM
