Photoprotective activity of medicinal herbs and plant- derived compound used as natural sunscreens: Review

The increasing risk of skin cancer causes due to sunburn by UV radiation(sunlight) which results in formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that interacts with body components like DNA, Proteins, Lipids leads to altering cellular functions of body. ROS causes DNA damaged, ageing (premature), inflammation, skin problems-hyperpigmentation, skin redness, wrinkles, etc. Sunscreen are the cream-based formulation which contains high SPF value and which have ability to reflect absorb UV light (Ultraviolet light) from sun. There are different types of sunscreens: 1) Chemical 2) Physical 3) herbal, chemical and physical sunscreen contains various chemicals and inorganic agents which causes harmful effect on skin. This review highlights the photoprotective ability of various herbal extracts. Because of this concern, we prefer herbal means plant-based sunscreen over the physical and chemical ones. Herbal sunscreen contains plant derived compounds such as Flavonoids, Tannins, Polyphenols, Phenolic compounds, which have ability to absorb UV rays and anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant property. This paper gives idea about the development of natural / plant-based sunscreen.