Pharmacognostic Standardization of Lawsonia inermis L. Leaf

Abstract

ABSTRACT
“Madayantika” commonly known as “Mehndi” or “Henna” is ascribed to the plant species Lawsonia inermis Linn. syn. L. abla Lamk. (Fam: Lythraceae). It has been used as a color dye since the dawn of history. It is also an excellent conditioning agent, hair growth promoter, hair brighter, antidandruff and adds body and highlights to hair. Henna has been formulated in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine and cosmetic industry. Madayantyadi churna, Mahapanchagavya ghrita, Mahaneela taila, Mahapadma taila, Vrishakadi churna, etc., and Raughan-e-Hina, Raughan-e-Amla Khas, etc., are its important Ayurvedic and Unani formulations respectively. In the present paper, the diagnostic characters obtained from investigated parameters such as organoleptic, microscopical, powder characters, physicochemical constants, and TLC fingerprinting profile of leaf are given. The data obtained by this study leads to pharmacognostic standardization of Lawsonia inermis L. leaf.

Keywords: Lawsonia inermis L., pharmacognosy, physicochemical studies