Plants as Modulators of Melanogenesis: Role of Extracts, Pure Compounds and Patented Compositions in Therapy of Pigmentation Disorders

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 23; no. 23; p. 14787
• Main Authors: Merecz-Sadowska, Anna, Sitarek, Przemysław, Stelmach, Joanna, Zajdel, Karolina, Kucharska, Ewa, Zajdel, Radosław
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.12.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: B cells; Biological products; Cosmetics industry; Enzymes; Fibroblasts; Free radicals (Chemistry); Growth factors; Humans; Hyperpigmentation - drug therapy; Hypopigmentation; Kinases; Melanins; Melanocytes; Metabolites; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Phytochemicals; Pigmentation disorders; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Proteins; Radiation; Review; Signal transduction; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Stem cells; Transcription factors; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet Rays; Poland; in vivo studies; melanogenesis; phytochemicals; signaling pathways; plant
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314787

The kingdom of plants as a “green biofabric” of valuable bioactive molecules has long been used in many ailments. Currently, extracts and pure compounds of plant origin are used to aid in pigmentation skin problems by influencing the process of melanogenesis. Melanin is a very important pigment that protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress. It is produced by a complex process called melanogenesis. However, disturbances in the melanogenesis mechanism may increase or decrease the level of melanin and generate essential skin problems, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Accordingly, inhibitors or activators of pigment formation are desirable for medical and cosmetic industry. Such properties may be exhibited by molecules of plant origin. Therefore, that literature review presents reports on plant extracts, pure compounds and compositions that may modulate melanin production in living organisms. The potential of plants in the therapy of pigmentation disorders has been highlighted.