Herbal insights into melanin synthesis: Enhancing hair health naturally

Abstract

Melanin, a natural pigment found in many organisms, determines skin, hair, and eye colour and protects against UV radiation.In hair, melanin is synthesized by melanocytes through melanogenesis, involving several enzymatic steps.There are different types of melanin: eumelanin, which provides darker hair tones and stronger UV protection, and pheomelanin, which is found in lighter hair and offers less UV resistance, making it more vulnerable to oxidative stress.Reduced melanin production over time causes hair to grey with age.Beyond colour, melanin supports scalp and hair health, influencing hair growth and vitality, making it crucial for both aesthetic and protective roles in human hair biology.