Henna (Lawsonia inermis, also known as hina, the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet) is a flowering plant and the sole species of the Lawsonia genus.
The name henna also refers to the dye prepared from the plant and the art of temporary body art (staining) based on those dyes (see also mehndi). Henna has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair and fingernails, as well as fabrics.
Lawsonia inermis has been used as astringent, anti-hemorrhagic, intestinal antineoplastic, cardio-inhibitory, hypotensive, sedative and also as therapeutic against amoebiasis, headache, jaundice and leprosy.
Lawsonia inermis was used to evaluate the wound healing activity, enhanced wound contraction, increased skin breaking strength, the use of Lawsonia inermis in the management of wound healing. It also demonstrated antibacterial activity.
