The company presented results last year showing that Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 was effective against atopic dermatitis in an animal model.
It says that new animal results, to be presented this week to the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry (JSBBA), have found the strain to both prevent the occurrence of atopic dermatitis and improve symptoms in existing atopic dermatitis.
The study also showed that Lactobacillus KW was more effective than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (hereafter LGG), a different strain of lactobacillus that has already been shown to act against similar skin conditions, according to a company release.
In a further study, 84 people with symptoms of atopic dermatitis were divided into two groups. One group was provided with Lactobacillus KW and the control group was given a placebo. Observation over 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in symptoms such as itchiness and skin rash in the group receiving Lactobacillus KW. Comparison with the placebo control group showed a higher degree of improvement in itchiness.
The results suggest that Lactobacillus KW functions to control atopic dermatitis not only in animals but also in humans.
It is thought that the bacteria improves the balance of two lymphocytes, known as Th1 and Th2, linked to allergies.
The results of the human trial will be presented on 3 June 2005 at a spring clinical conference being held by the Japanese Society of Allergology.