Various plants and bioactive constituents for pigmentation control: A review

Hyperpigmentation disorders caused by excessive melanin synthesis may significantly affect the psychosocial aspect of an individual. Being the current gold standard used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders, hydroquinone is associated with several adverse effects including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, mutagenic to mammalian cells, cytotoxic to melanocytes as well as exogenous ochronosis in darker-complexioned individuals. Botanically derived agents have received increased attention in treating hyperpigmentation as they are perceived to be milder, safer, healthier and more cost-effective. Several herbs, plant extracts and phytochemicals with multitude mechanisms of action have been reported to be effective depigmenting agents with milder side effects. Some of the agents were studied in combination and their hypopigmentation effects may be resulting from synergistic effects of the various components. Mechanisms involved in depigmentation include tyrosinase inhibition, inhibition of a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis and antioxidant properties. Use of plant-derived agents for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders is promising with the need for more rigorous clinical studies to support the use of these agents. This review summarizes the use of various plants and bioactive constituents and their effectiveness in the control of pigmentation.