Natural Products as Photoprotective Agents

At present, UV irradiation is a serious public health concern, as results of global warming and other environmental factors. UVA and UVB radiation plays a vital role in cutaneous damage in humans. Compounds that can protect against harmful UV radiation could be ideal photoprotective agents. Though chemical sunscreening agents are commercially available, they have some limitations. The extensive research for the use of natural photoprotective agents is utmost needed. Consumer demand for herbal cosmetic (natural cosmetic) products is growing tremendously in recent years. Therefore, natural products (marine/plant source) have gained much attention among the researchers. Few natural products have been identified for their efficient role in photoprotection due to their UV absorbing property, in addition to various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory activity. This book deals with photoprotective effect of various compounds of natural origin.