LAWSONIA INERMIS L.: AN UPDATED REVIEW OF THE ETHNOBOTANICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND TOXICOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN UNANI MEDICINE

Abstract

Background Lawsonia inermis L., commonly referred to as henna in the Unani medical system, is a plant belonging to the Lythraceae family. There are several chemical components found in the stem, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds that have commercial, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. The bioactive constituents, pharmacological actions, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological adverse effects of Lawsonia inermis are all thoroughly reviewed in this research. Aim of the review This paper aims to highlight the medicinal properties of Henna in view of its temperament in Unani and phytoconstituents in the treatment of various diseases. Further, exploring its phytochemistry, pharmacological and pre-clinical studies (in-vitro & in-vivo) in respect to scientific researches. Materials and methods Henna was explored in classical Unani literature for its temperament (Mizaj), medicinal properties, pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for pertinent papers, which were then examined for updates and significant characteristics pertaining to the plant. Results Henna has been used in Unani system of medicine for ages. Numerous bioactive substances have been found in Lawsonia inermis L. such as fatty acids, steroids, xanthones, leucocyandin, epicatechin, catechin, polyphenols, alkaloids, quinones, tannins, and quercetin. Historically, the plant has been used to cure a wide range of illnesses, including as lumbago, ulcers, psoriasis, scabies, boils, ocular problems, hair loss, and jaundice. A variety of pharmacological properties have also been discovered in it, including as wound healing, hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer, and hypoglycaemic effects. Conclusion Lawsonia inermis has a promising future in Unani medicine for a variety of medicinal uses; nevertheless, further research is required to properly investigate its therapeutic effects for a range of public health diseases.