Heat-Killed Lactobacillus brevis Improves Dry Skin

by | Oct 23, 2017 | 2016, Probiotics, Skin Health

Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. Of the 118 study participants, those who supplemented for eight weeks with Lactobacillus brevis (L. Brevis) SBC8803 significantly improved skin hydration compared to the placebo group.

probioticsThrough their colonization of the gastrointestinal tract, lactic acid bacteria contribute to the maintenance of immune function and overall physical health. Studies suggest that ingestion of lactic acid probiotics such as lactobacilli can improve digestion, reduce allergies, and support healthy cholesterol levels 1-3. In particular, heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis (L. Brevis) SBC8803 has been found to suppress dermatitis 4 and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL, a measure of skin barrier function)5 by restoring and balancing the production of key immune cells6. Based on observed effects of L. brevis SBC8803 on skin hydration conditions in animal models, investigators in Japan conducted a preliminary study looking at the capacity of L. brevis SBC8803 to improve skin barrier functions in humans.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 4, a total of 118 volunteers (aged 21-59 years) were recruited for participation. Subjects were matched for age and TEWL levels and randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg or 50 mg of heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 or matching placebo for 12 weeks daily. Skin condition was evaluated based on TEWL levels (measured on left forearm, neck, and lower eye region under constant temperature and humidity), corneal hydration status (measure of skin conductance), and subjective assessment of facial and body skin using a questionnaire.

After 8 weeks of treatment, results showed a significant decrease (–15.1%) in TEWL at the neck (p = 0.05) for the group treated with 25 mg of L. brevis SBC8803, as compared with placebo. In addition, hydration levels at the neck (based on corneal hydration measurements) somewhat increased for the 25 mg group, relative to placebo (24%, p = 0.06). Analyses of subjects with low habitual intake of lactic fermentation products (less than once per week) revealed significantly increased levels of corneal hydration at the neck for the 50 mg group and lower eye for the 25 mg group following the 12-week study period (p < 0.05 for both).

Overall, findings demonstrate safe and beneficial effects of heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 as a strategy for improving skin hydration, particularly in those whose consumption of lactic fermentation products is low. Further studies are needed to determine appropriate dosage levels for individuals with variable skin conditions.

Source: Ogawa M, Saiki A, Matsui Y. Effects of oral intake of heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 SBGL88(TM) on dry skin conditions: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Experimental and Therapeutic medicine. 2016; 12: 3863-3872. DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3862.

© 2008 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan

Posted October 23, 2017.

Angeline A. De Leon, MA, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. She received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2013, where she studied clinical neuroscience within an integrative health program. Her specialized area of research involves the complementary use of neuroimaging and neuropsychology-based methodologies to examine how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and meditation, can influence brain plasticity and enhance overall connectivity.

References:

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