A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR ACNE, OBESITY, AND HAIR FALL: PHYTOCHEMICAL INSIGHTS AND THERAPEUTIC EVIDENCE

Medicinal plants have long played a central role in traditional medicine systems for treating dermatological and metabolic disorders, including acne vulgaris, obesity, and hair fall. In this review, 70 peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2025 sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically evaluated to explore the phytochemical profiles, pharmacological mechanisms, and therapeutic relevance of plant-based interventions for these conditions. This work examines the multifaceted actions of medicinal plants, focusing on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hormonal, and metabolic pathways. The review identifies key bioactive compounds such as curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), ginsenosides, thymoquinone, and Rosmarinic acid, which contribute to sebum regulation, adipocyte modulation, follicular stimulation, and immune response control. Notably, Azadirachta indica, Camellia sinensis, Garcinia cambogia, Panax ginseng, and Rosmarinus officinalis emerged as the most frequently studied and therapeutically promising plants. The proposed model highlights the role of phytomedicine in addressing the pathophysiology of these lifestyle-related conditions, aligning traditional knowledge with modern evidence. However, discrepancies in dosage, formulation, and extract standardization, along with a paucity of long-term clinical trials, continue to limit integration into conventional healthcare. This review underscores the urgent need for large-scale randomized trials, standardized phytochemical validation, and regulatory frameworks to fully realize the therapeutic potential of botanical interventions for acne, obesity, and hair fall.