Henna is the sole species in the genus Lawsonia in the family Lythraceae.
Rich in 2-hydroxynapthoquinone (lawsone), mannite, tannic acid, mucilage and gallic acid.
MOISTURIZING PROPERTIES
Henna Extract can hydrate the hair and retain moisture content. It nourishes and promotes hair growth exponentially. Henna directly affects the scalp, assisting in improving follicle health. This helps curb hair fall, and also prevents and corrects hair thinning.
UV ABSORBER
Lawsone reacts with the keratin proteins present in the skin to form sclerojuglonic compounds. It has UV protection properties.
It provides photoprotection for all types of photosensitivity throughout the whole UV spectrum even into the visible region.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Henna Extract has antioxidant properties due to the presence of polyphenolic components. It scavenges free radical leading to the inhibition of initiation and propagation of chain reaction. It reduces oxidative damage.
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Antibacterial: It has antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, ß-hemolytic streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa species. The antibacterial property of henna extract was assessed using the Agar diffusion dilution method which measured the inhibition zone (mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Antibacterial activity may be due to numerous free hydroxyls that can combine with the carbohydrates and proteins in the bacterial cell wall. They may get attached to enzyme sites rendering them inactive.
Antifungal: Henna Extract has antifungal activity against Malassezia. It completely inhibits the growth of Malassezia.
DANDRUFF TREATMENT
Henna has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and pain-relieving properties that can treat dandruff due to the presence of Lawsone.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/988444/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362728/
https://www.femina.in/beauty/hair/benefits-of-henna-for-hair-health-55622.html