Scalp Microbiota Dysbiosis in Seborrheic Alopecia and Restoration Following Herbal Extract Shampoo Intervention

May 2026 in “ Microorganisms ”

Jing Feng, Jiancong Huang, Zhou Shaolu, Xianghai Chen, Gang Zhou, Xudong Wang, Xia Wen, Qingshan SHI, Pianjuan Guo, Qiongfei Li, Xiaobao Xie

seborrheic alopecia scalp microbiota dysbiosis herbal extract shampoo ginger root Polygonum multiflorum Platycladus orientalis Staphylococcus Cutibacterium Malassezia ginger He Shou Wu Chinese Arborvitae

TLDR Herbal extract shampoo improves scalp health and hair growth in seborrheic alopecia.

This study investigates the role of scalp microbiota dysbiosis in seborrheic alopecia (SA) and evaluates the effects of a herbal extract shampoo intervention. Involving 41 Chinese SA participants and 29 healthy controls, the research found significant microbial dysbiosis in untreated SA individuals, with reduced microbial diversity and increased Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, and Malassezia. After a 12-week treatment with a shampoo containing ginger root, Polygonum multiflorum, and Platycladus orientalis leaf, the SA group showed clinical improvement, restored microbial diversity, and normalized levels of Staphylococcus and Malassezia. The study highlights the importance of microbial balance in SA and supports plant-based treatments for restoring scalp health and promoting hair growth.

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