Henna

BOTANICAL NAME: LAWSONIA INERMIS

FAMILY: Lythraceae

SYNONYMS:

ENGLISH: henna tree

HINDI: Mehndi

TELUGU: Gorintaku

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:

The traditional plant–derived henna contains the active ingredient called lawsone (2- hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), which is an orange-red pigment responsible for the typical coloration [2]. Lawsone interacts directly with the amine or sulfur functional groups of keratin due to its strong affinity

USES:

❖   making it difficult to trace where it originated and which culture can lay claims to it.

❖   decrease the growth of tumors, prevent or reduce spasms, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain.

❖   henna is for protecting the skin against infections and eliminating inflammation

Henna contains substances that might help fight certain infections.

❖   Henna is mainly used in celebration of special occasions such as weddings & Eid in the joyous gathering of people

❖   The Henna paste symbolizes good health & prosperity in marriage, & in some cultures, the darker the henna stain, the deeper the love between two individuals.

❖   Henna is sometimes applied directly to the affected area for dandruff, eczema, cabies, fungal infections, and wounds. In manufacturing, henna is used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and hair care products; and as a dye for nails, hands, and clothing. People also use henna on the skin as temporary “tattoos.”