Abstract

A REVIEW ON HERBAL SUNSCREEN POTENTIAL OF TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM) & DURVA (CYNODON DACTYLON)

Tejasvi Gawas, Sneha Hundalekar, Abhishek Gore, Sagar Gavali, Aditya Godase, *Simran Gawade 

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the major environmental factors responsible for skin damage, premature aging, oxidative stress, inflammation, and skin cancer. Sunscreens are commonly used to protect the skin from harmful UV rays; however, synthetic sunscreen agents may produce adverse effects on the skin and environment. Therefore, herbal sunscreens have gained considerable attention due to their safety, antioxidant activity, and therapeutic benefits. Medicinal plants containing natural phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins are known to exhibit significant photoprotective properties. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Durva (Cynodon dactylon) are important medicinal plants widely used in traditional medicine. Tulsi contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging activities, while Durva possesses antioxidant and skin protective properties. These phytochemicals help in reducing UV-induced oxidative stress and maintaining skin health. The present review highlights the herbal sunscreen potential of Tulsi and Durva, focusing on their phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties, and role in skin photoprotection. Based on various reported studies, both plants show promising potential for incorporation into herbal sunscreen formulations as natural and eco-friendly photoprotective agents.

Keywords: Photoprotection, Antioxidant activity, Ultraviolet radiation, Skin protection.