A phytopharmacological review on Lawsonia inermis (Linn.)

Abstract

Medicinal plants are being widely used, either as single drug or in combination in health care delivery system. Lawsonia inermis Linn. is commonly known as henna, which is recognized in traditional system of medicine. It consists of various categories of phytoconstiuents like flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenoids, steroids, xanthones. It has been traditionally reported in use of headache, hemicranias, lumbago, bronchitis, boils, ophthalmia, syphilitis, sores, amenorrhea, scabies, diseases of the spleen, dysuria, bleeding disorder, skin diseases, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-amoebiasis, astringent, anti-hemorrhagic, hypotensive and sedative effect. Several studies are being carried towards it activates like cytotoxic , hypoglycaemic , nootropics, antimicrobial, antibacterial , trypsin inhibitory , wound Healing , antioxidant , anti-corrosin , anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic , anti-parasitic, tuberculostatic , protein glycation inhibitory , hepatoprotective , anti-tumoral activity. With all these potential benefits, this plant is not widely utilized. Hence this review is carried out to explore the hidden potential and its uses, towards the benefit of mankind.