Insights into the treatment strategies for hypopigmentation disorders by natural herbs: current updates and future prospects

Skin pigmentation is a natural phenomenon that plays an important part in the appearance and biology of all animals, including humans. The process of melanogenesis, which results in the formation of the pigment melanin within melanocytes, determines skin colour. This process is controlled by both inherent and external factors. Tyrosinase catalyzes an essential step in melanogenesis; dysfunction of tyrosinase leads to reduce melanin synthesis which results in severe clinical and aesthetic problem of hypopigmentation disorders. Therefore, the key method in the management of aberrant skin pigmentation for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes is the regulation of melanin synthesis. In order to regulate and control skin hypopigmentation, this review article discusses the treatment strategies from plant extracts and their active principles with stimulating effects on melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, as well as to elucidate scientifically validated plant extracts in order to naturally increase melanin synthesis and treat hypopigmentary disorders.