Zeitschrift für Dermatologie und dermatologische Erkrankungen

Melanogenesis: Key Role of Bioactive Compounds in the Treatment of Hyperpigmentory Disorders

Abstract

Sharique A Ali, Ram K Choudhary, Ishrat Naaz and Ayesha S Ali

Skin pigmentation is an important human phenotypic trait that gives special aesthetic hue to individuals and also protective covering against solar ultra violet radiations, but excessive pigment production and uneven distribution, appear as serious undesirable hyperpigmentory anomalies. To overcome this, various therapeutic agents and skin-lightening cosmetics are in big demand across Asia, and the quest for fairness has led to identification of many new ingredients. The mechanisms underlying pigmentation has been researched extensively and the knowledge are being updated regularly. To understand the etiology of normal and uneven skin pigmentation, first part of the review serves us basic updated information regarding the normal process of melanogenesis and strict coherent attributes that monitor the skin pigmentation control machinery. While the later part of the review focuses on some abnormal hyperpigmentory anomalies, their mode of action at the cellular level and various approaches that exploit the natural botanicals for their permanent and cost effective treatment.