Unveiling the Healing Potential of Lawsonia inermis: A Review of Its Chemistry and Pharmacological Actions

Plants have long served as vital sources of nutrition, traditional remedies, and environmental sustainability. Unlike synthetic drugs, plant-based therapies are generally associated with fewer side effects and exhibit synergistic therapeutic potential. Around 80% of people on the planet get their primary medical care from medicinal plants. Lawsonia inermis, also referred to as henna or mehndi, is widely used for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes in tropical and subtropical areas. Growing for its medicinal roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds, L. inermis is a tiny tree or shrub that has long been used as a natural skin and hair colour in South Asian nations like India and Pakistan. Its secondary metabolites include tannins, terpenoids, coumarins, and other bioactive substances, whereas its primary metabolites are proteins, carbs, and fatty acids. These constituents contribute to the plant’s broad pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects. Owing to these diverse properties, L. inermis holds significant potential as a natural therapeutic agent against various diseases and infections. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and traditional applications of L. inermis.