A roadmap to UV-protective natural resources: classification, characteristics, and applications

Abstract

Alongside the innumerable benefits of solar rays, the adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation must be considered. All organisms are subjected to the deleterious effects of UV radiation, particularly UVA (315–400 nm) and UVB (280–315 nm). Continuous UV exposure leads to skin cancer, erythema, and sunburn mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Photoprotection is hence an indispensable feature in all strata of the ecosystem across the microbial, plant, and animal kingdoms, especially under the present circumstance of increased ozone depletion. Photoprotective compounds, like gadusols, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin, phenolic compounds like flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignin, and less-explored compounds like sporopollenin, parietin, and usnic acid have been identified in various organisms. Accumulation of photoprotective pigments is a universal mechanism of passive protection against UV, developed by organisms during the early stages of their evolution. Furthermore, many of these compounds contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, which offer additional protection. In this review, the attributes of naturally available UV-screening compounds are investigated. Their taxonomic diversity, mechanism of UV absorption, extraction, and characterization techniques are discussed. In the wake of recent studies that indicate free radical generation in inorganic sunscreen compounds like TiO₂ and ZnO, natural products have become a necessity. Insights into natural compounds for photoprotective functions in commercial applications like cosmetics and textiles are also reviewed. Biocompatibility and minimal side effects of these natural compounds open the gateway into an era of green products in the arena of photoprotection.