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Henna as an antimicrobial agent
C J Guerrier1, A Abdulwahab, N Basri
1Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset TAI SDA and Dermatology Department, King Khalid National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
|May 22, 2009
Summary
Powdered henna leaf exhibits antimicrobial properties, effectively combating common bacteria and fungi. However, its potency is limited against specific yeasts like Candida albicans and Trichosporon beigelii.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ethnobotany
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a traditional cosmetic used in the Middle East.
- Antimicrobial properties of natural compounds are of significant interest for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of powdered henna leaf.
- To determine henna's activity against a range of common microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Testing powdered henna leaf extract against a panel of common bacteria and fungi.
- Assessing zones of inhibition or minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
Main Results:
- Henna demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria.
- Effective against several common fungal species.
- Limited efficacy was observed against Candida albicans and Trichosporon beigelii.
Conclusions:
- Powdered henna leaf possesses notable antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
- Henna may serve as a natural agent against certain microbial infections.
- Further research is needed to explore its potential against resistant fungal strains.
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