Potential of Henna Leaf (Lawsonia inermis) Extract as a Natural Alternative to Safranin in the Differential Staining of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi

Increased environmental awareness among commercial dyes and textile exporters is shifting attention to the use of natural dyes pigments in foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and textile products. This is because synthetic dyes are relatively expensive and cause reactions such as allergies or are carcinogenic which are potentially harmful to the environment and human health. One of the natural dyes that is usually used in staining is henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis). This study aims to determine the potential of henna leaves extract in staining Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. The type of research used is descriptive qualitative to observe the effectiveness of henna leaves extract in staining bacteria with an experimental method that aims to compare the results of staining between safranin control and henna leaves extract. Based on the research conducted, it was found that only henna leaves extract with a concentration of 100% was able to staining Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi bacteria like safranin with brown color, while the results of henna leaves extract oxidized using potassium permanganate and sodium carbonate could not dyeing the two bacteria properly and clearly. So further research is needed on Lawsonia inermis leaves extract to be able to dyeing other bacteria.