Phytopharmacological investigation on Lawsonia inermis L.: A comprehensive review

India is the supplier and has a rich heritage of medicinal plants. Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) is frequently used for its phytoconstituents in traditional Indian medicines. Various phytochemicals that henna contains are lawsone (hennatonic acid), tannins, lalioside, lawsoniaside, lawsoniaside B, hennadiol, laxanthones I, II, III, lacoumarin, scopoletin, flavone, glycosides, esculetin, fraxetin, betulin, betulinic. Many animal studies were done using henna extracts as per OECD guidelines. L. inermis has many pharmacological actions such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antiparasitic, tuberculostatic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antimalarial, immune stimulant and anthelmintic. This article elaborates on the morphological, traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological features of L. inermis with its toxicological studies. It is a possible source of natural compounds for developing medications for certain disorders. Henna is used in industries for manufacturing of hair care products.