The Role of Natural Products in the Management of Skin Pigmentary Anomalies

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The skin is one of the most important organs of the human body. Dermatological ailments and pathologies are important for public health because they cause physical damage and emotional and psychological repercussions that sometimes present high healthcare expenses. Some of the most common pathologies are eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, pyoderma, scabies, tinea capitis, dermatitis, reactions of poisonous insect or reptile bites hives, pigmentary anomalies such as vitiligo, albinism, tinea versicolor, melasma, acanthosis nigricans, and café au Lait spots, such others, can cause serious damage to health, for which extensive pharmacological treatments have been proposed; however, they have serious side effects such as steroid treatments, so in certain regions of the world, medicinal plants are used to treat dermatological complications, where ethnopharmacological records date to treat or aid skin conditions, mainly burns and scars. These effects are due to their anti-inflammatory, healing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, where the compounds most studied have been phenolic (flavonoids such as phloretin), vitamins, and essential oils (terpenes). Some species that stand out are the genera Dendrobium, Aloe, Acalypha, Acanthus, Achillea, Actinidia, Calendula, Bulbine, Heparinum, Sanguisorba, and Buddleja, among others. This chapter summarizes the most recent information regarding the potential of natural products as biopharmaceutical agents against some of the most evaluated skin pigmentary anomalies.