Plant-Derived Monomers for Grey Hair Reversal Through Upregulation of Melanogenesis and Tyrosinase Activity

Abstract

Grey hair, a common ageing-associated phenomenon in humans, is mainly attributed to the damage of melanocytes and the absence of melanin. Grey hair has long been treated with traditional medicine, and new research has shown that various plant-derived monomers can increase tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis, indicating that they may have therapeutic value in curing grey hair. In this study, we outlined the role of melanin and pigmentation during hair growth and collected various medicinal plant monomers with the potential value of grey hair reversal. Many active ingredients from medicinal plants, such as fraxinol, tribuloside, morin and naringenin, can upregulate melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity through different signalling pathways. Some of them can promote melanosome quantity, maturation and transportation as well. Monomers isolated from medicinal plants may act as stimulators of melanogenesis. Many plant-derived monomers perform as activators that upregulate melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity through different signalling pathways. They are of great research value for the treatment of hair greying. Moreover, to further improve experimental effect, safety and reliability, a systematic and comprehensive evaluation system needs to be established in the future before studying their clinical efficacy.