Safety and bioactivity assessment of aqueous extract of Thai Henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) Leaf.

The worldwide demand for a natural dye by the cosmetic and food industry has recently gained interest. To provide scientific data supporting the usage of Thai henna leaf as a natural colorant, the phytochemical constituents, safety, and bioactivity of aqueous extract of the henna leaf by autoclave (HAE) and hot water (HHE) were determined. HAE contained a higher amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents than HHE. The major constituents in both extracts were ferulic acid, gallic acid, and luteolin. The extracts displayed no marked mutagenic activity both in vitro and in vivo mammalian-like biotransformation. HAE and HHE also exhibited non-cytotoxicity to human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line with IC20 and IC50 > 200 µg/ml. The extracts exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as evidenced by significant scavenging of ABTS and DPPH radicals and decreasing NO levels in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts might be attributed to their phenolic and flavonoid contents. In conclusion, the traditional use of henna as a natural dye appears not to exert toxic effects and seems biosecure. Regarding safety, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, the aqueous extract of Thai henna leaf might thus serve as a readily available source for utilization in commercial health industries.

FORMULATION AND ASSESSMENT OF SEMI-SOLID CARRIER INCORPORATED WITH HERBAL EXTRACT OF LAWSONIA INERMIS.

The development of an optimal microemulsion of lawsone for transdermal delivery was the core objective of the study. Effects of formulation variable including oils, surfactants and co-surfactants on the per- cutaneous delivery of lawsone microemulsion have also been inspected. Pseudotemary phase diagrams with oil, cosurfactant-surfactant mixtures (Smix) were constructed to recognize the microemulsion areas. Microemulsion prepared was of 5%. The in vitro transdermal penetration of microemulsion of lawsone was determined by Franz diffusion cell. These profiles indicated that the absorption and rate of penetration of lawsone microemul- sion was far better than the saturated solution of lawsone. The formulation was characterized for pH, conduc- tivity, viscosity and passed stability tests. A non-irritant formulation to skin was prepared in this way. The out- comes specify that the transdermal drug delivery ability and phase behavior of microemulsion is affected by the type of cosurfactant and surfactant.

Assessment of antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of selected Malaysian plants.

Thirteen Malaysian plants; Artocarpus champeden, Azadirachta indica, Fragaria x ananassa, Garcinia mangostana, Lawsonia inermis, Mangifera indica, Nephelium lappaceum, Nephelium mutobile, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Psidium guajava and Syzygium aqueum, selected for their use in traditional medicine, were subjected to a variety of assays. Antioxidant capability, total phenolic content, elemental composition, as well as it cytotoxity to several cell lines of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts from different parts of these selected Malaysian plants were determined. In general, the ethanolic extracts were better free radical scavengers than the aqueous extracts and some of the tested extracts were even more potent than a commercial grape seed preparation. Similar results were seen in the lipid peroxidation inhibition studies. Our findings also showed a strong correlation of antioxidant activity with the total phenolic content. These extracts when tested for its heavy metals content, were found to be below permissible value for nutraceutical application. In addition, most of the extracts were found not cytotoxic to 3T3 and 4T1 cells at concentrations as high as 100 microg/mL. We conclude that although traditionally these plants are used in the aqueous form, its commercial preparation could be achieved using ethanol since a high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity is associated with this method of preparation.