Herbal Photoprotective and Skin Whitening Agents

Abstract

Ultra violet rays are one of the most harmful carcinogens in our surroundings or environment. They cause harmful diseases such as melanoma cancers are widespread all over the world. It is due to excessive exposure of sunlight to the human beings. These rays differ along with season and vary with time and they are the main reason of causing erythema and sunburns. It also causes harmful compounds like reactive oxygen species. Various phytochemicals such as polyphenols, corticosteroids, alkaloids, carotenoids and several other herbal cosmetics provides protection against such rays. Such phytochemicals have been consumed by human being since many centuries and it is presumed to be an essential ingredient of chemotherapeutic agent. Such protections are comprehensive and are very long- lasting. The photoprotective properties of such phytochemicals are discussed further. The practice of using chemical substance or herbal formulation to lighten the tone of the skin or develop a skin tone which is even is known as skin whitening. It can be achieved by decreasing the melanin content in the body or skin. The melanin which is produced and stored inside the compartment known as melanosomal compartment is transported to the keratinocytes. This melanin is a pigment produced inside cells known as melanosomes. They are obtained from the amino acid known as L-tyrosine that is converted to dopaquinone. In recent years, the quest for fairness has led to the identification of a number of skin whitening agents which originate from various biological sources. Such phytochemicals having whitening properties are discussed in the given review.