Role of herbal products as therapeutic agents against ultraviolet radiation-induced skin disorders

Human skin is continuously exposed to ultraviolet radiations which have mixed effects on human health both beneficial and detrimental. Excessive exposure to UV radiations (UVR) cause sunburns, pigmentation changes, wrinkles, premature aging, and cancers in human skin. There is need for long lasting solution to prevent and protect skin from damaging effects of UVR. Herbs have been used traditionally for cosmetic purposes and to cure skin disorders from centuries. The potential of herbs to enhance skin appearance is well acknowledged. The increasing interest in the consumer market for herbal products justifies the assessment of the therapeutically active properties of these herbal products in combating the UVR induced damage. Herbs and herbal products are effective in treating skin disorders primarily because of their antioxidant property, as free radical species are one of the major causes of harmful changes in skin. In this chapter, we will summarise the herbal extracts and isolated natural compounds form herbs that have scientific evidence of protecting the skin from sun damage.