Characterization of Normal and Dandruff Causing Micro-Flora from Human Scalp of Various Age Groups

Abstract

Dandruff is the most common problem that affects many people leading to an embarrassing condition. It results from three main factors namely: Malassezia fungi, sebaceous secretion and individual sensitivity. To study the characterization of dandruff causing micro-flora from healthy and affected scalp sample according various age groups (1–10, 10–30, 30–60 and above 60) scalp sample of healthy and affected scalp sample were cultured in appropriate media like Nutrient agar, Sabouraud's dextrose and Dixon's agar. The normal micro-flora (including Yeast and Bacteria) from the scalp with dandruff was compared to the flora from people without dandruff. The bacterial and fungal communities associated with dandruff were investigated using culture-dependent Method. Normal Bacterial count of healthy and dandruff-affected scalp sample of various age group (1–10, 10–30, 30–60 and above 60) were 0.003, 0.2549, 2.0082, 1.1800 and 1.17, 1.0909, 1.2554, 0.7729 respectively. Normal Yeast count of healthy and dandruff-affected scalp sample of various age group (1–10, 10–30, 30–60 and above 60) were 0.03, 0.0014, 1.3202, 0.8987 and 0.016, 0.0034, 0.6692, 0.9117 respectively. Malassezia count of healthy and dandruff-affected scalp sample of age group (1–10, 10–30, 30–60 and above 60) were 6.6, 100.2, 62.6 and 61.4, 300, 63.2 respectively. Malassezia count was absent in age group (1–10) of both scalp sample. Bacterial and Yeast count of dandruff affected scalp were increases in age group (1–10, 10–30) as compare to healthy scalp sample. But in age group (30–60 and above 60) normal Bacterial and Yeast count was decrease in dandruffaffected scalp sample. Malassezia furfur and Malassezia dermatis were identified by Biochemical test method. A comparative study on the efficacy of chemical and herbal anti-dandruff ingredients on basis and their performance in market shampoos was done in vitro against normal micro-flora including (Bacteria, Fungi and Malassezia Species.) which found on healthy and dandruff-affected scalp sample. Banana extract (Musa Acuminata) were also tested against normal micro-flora and Malasssezia Species. Banana extract showed excellent anti-malassezia activity against Malassezia Species. But failed to show antibacterial and anti-fungal activities. Zone of inhibition of herbal and banana extract showed lower value than synthetic (Chemical shampoo) ingredients containing ZnPTC and Ketoconozole recorded higher in vitro activities than shampoos containing herbal AD ingredients and Banana extract.