Estimation for Raw Material Plants of a Henna Product Using LC-High Resolution MS and Multivariate Analysis.

Henna is a plant-based dye obtained from the powdered leaf of the pigmented plant Lawsonia inermis, and has often been used for grey hair dyeing, treatment, and body painting. As a henna product, the leaves of Indigofera tinctoria and Cassia auriculata can be blended to produce different colour variations. Although allergy from henna products attributed to p-phenylenediamine, which is added to enhance the dye, is reported occasionally, raw material plants of henna products could also contribute to the allergy. In this study, we reported that raw material plants of commercial henna products distributed in Japan can be estimated by LC-high resolution MS (LC-HRMS) and multivariate analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) score plot clearly separated 17 samples into three groups [I; henna, II; blended henna primarily comprising Indigofera tinctoria, III; Cassia auriculata]. This grouping was consistent with the ingredient lists of products except that one sample listed as henna was classified as Group III, indicating that its ingredient label may differ from the actual formulation. The ingredients characteristic to Groups I, II, and III by PCA were lawsone (1), indirubin (2), and rutin (3), respectively, which were reported to be contained in each plant as ingredients. Therefore, henna products can be considered to have been manufactured from these plants. This study is the first to estimate raw material plants used in commercial plant-based dye by LC-HRMS and multivariate analysis.

Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles from Lawsonia inermis and its effect on the biodegradation of crude oil hydrocarbon.

Crude oil hydrocarbons are considered major environmental pollutants and pose a significant threat to the environment and humans due to having severe carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Bioremediation is one of the practical and promising technology that can be applied to treat the hydrocarbon-polluted environment. In this present study, rhamnolipid biosurfactant (BS) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PP4 and green synthesized iron nanoparticles (G-FeNPs) from Lawsonia inermis was used to evaluate the biodegradation efficiency (BE) of crude oil. The surface analysis of G-FeNPs was carried out by using FESEM and HRTEM to confirm the size and shape. Further, the average size of the G-FeNPs was observed around 10 nm by HRTEM analysis. The XRD and Raman spectra strongly confirm the presence of iron nanoparticles with their respective peaks. The BE (%) of mixed degradation system-V (PP4+BS+G-FeNPs) was obtained about 82%. FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of major functional constituents (C=O, -CH3, C-O, and OH) in the residual oil content. Overall, this study illustrates that integrated nano-based bioremediation could be an efficient approach for hydrocarbon-polluted environments. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the G-FeNPs with rhamnolipid biosurfactant on the biodegradation of crude oil.

Enhanced bactericidal, antibiofilm and antioxidative response of Lawsonia inermis leaf extract synthesized ZnO NPs loaded with commercial antibiotic.

Globally, antibiotic resistance is a challenging issue in healthcare sector. The emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria has forced us to modify existing medicines and or formulate newer medicines that are effective and inexpensive. In this perspective, this study involves the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by utilizing the Lawsonia inermis (Li) leaf extract. The prepared L. inermis leaf extract mediated ZnO NPs (Li-ZnO NPs) were bio-physically characterized. The antibacterial and radical scavenging effects of Li-ZnO NPs were evaluated. In addition, ZnO NPs were conjugated with standard antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) and its drug loading efficiency, drug release and antibacterial efficacy were tested and compared with non-drug loaded ZnO NPs. An absorbance peak at 340 nm was noted for Li-ZnO NPs. After conjugation with the drug, two absorbance peaks- one at 242 nm characteristic of ciprofloxacin and the other at 350 nm characteristics of ZnO NPs were observed. The crystallite size was 18.7 nm as determined by XRD. The antibacterial effect was higher on Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. pyogenes) than the Gram-negative pathogens (E. coli and K. pneumoniae). Inhibition of S. aureus and S. pyogenes biofilm at 100 µg mL-1were, respectively, 97.5 and 92.6%. H2O2 free radicals was inhibited to 90% compared to the standard ascorbic acid at 100 µg mL-1. After drug loading, the FTIR spectrum confirmed the existence of ciprofloxacin peaks at 965 cm-1 and Zn-O bond at 492 cm-1. The drug loading capacity of 15 nm sized ZnO NPs was higher (58, 75, 90 and 95% at 1, 2.5, 5 and 10% drug concentrations, respectively) compared to 20 nm. Similarly, the percentage of drug (ciprofloxacin) released from 15 nm ZnO NPs were increased to 90% at 10% drug-loaded samples, respectively. Also, the antibiotic loaded ZnO NPs had significant antibacterial effects against tested bacteria compared to Li-ZnO NPs and ciprofloxacin alone. This revealed that the antibiotic loaded ZnO NPs offer a sustainable route to treat multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Lawsonia inermis-organically modified chitosan intercalated bentonite clay: A multifunctional nanotheranostic system for controlled drug delivery, sensing and cellular imaging.

This study presents the development of organo-bentonites (OBs); a cost-effective drug delivery system holding both sensing and imaging capabilities. The OBs were synthesized using quaternary ammonium cations derived from chitosan, Lawsonia inermis, and pyrene/anthracene carboxaldehyde combinations through a three-step process: Mannich reaction, quaternization, and intercalation. Physicochemical characterization confirms the organic modification of bentonite. The OBs: NQPB and NQAB hold substantial ciprofloxacin (Cipro) loading capacities (71.51 % and 78.04 %, respectively) and exhibit pH-dependent release profiles, suggesting their potential use as drug delivery platforms. Cell viability evaluation by MTT and live-dead assays indicates favourable results. Both OBs demonstrate fluorescence within the 450-500 nm range, and they display concentration-dependent fluorescence quenching and enhancement for NQPB and NQAB, respectively, in the presence of tryptophan (Trp), making them suitable for its detection. Confocal analysis further enunciates the live intracellular fluorescence upon OB uptake. In summary, the intrinsically fluorescent mesoporous OBs synthesized from Lawsonia inermis and chitosan exhibit multifunctionality, including Cipro delivery, Trp sensing, and live cell imaging. Among the OBs, NQAB could be considered as a promising theranostic platform owing to its superior cytocompatibility (>80 %), appreciable fluorescence, and controlled release profile.

Functionalization of bamboo fibers with lawsone dye (Lawsonia inermis) to produce bioinspired hybrid color composite with antibacterial activity.

There is great interest in using eco-friendly functional colorants with antibacterial activity to produce colorful textile and plastic products. In this study, we designed, produced, and analyzed a novel multifunctional hybrid color composite colorant with antimicrobial properties, prepared from plant-based products. The new functional color composite was prepared by stabilizing lawsone dye onto amino-silanized cellulose from bamboo fibers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were performed to examine the possible interactions between the lawsone dye and silanized bamboo fibers. The color performance, morphology, chemical stability, and thermal stability of the prepared color composite were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results were compared to those for pure lawsone dye. Modification of amino-silanized bamboo fibers with lawsone dye led to the formation of a light brown colorant that is more resistant to organic solvents (e.g. acetone, ethanol) and elevated temperatures than raw natural dye. Importantly, the designed bamboo fiber/lawsone system (BF-APTES-L) benefits from the synergistic combination of lawsone and bamboo fibers, showing strong antibacterial activity compared to the control sample of bamboo-as evidenced by noticeably inhibited growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis.

Structural determination and anticholinesterase assay of C-glycosidic ellagitannins from Lawsonia inermis leaves: A study supported by DFT calculations and molecular docking.

An ellagitannin monomer, lythracin M (1), and a dimer, lythracin D (2), along with eight known monomers (3-10) were isolated from Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae) leaves. Lythracin M (1) is a C-glycosidic ellagitannin with a flavogallonyl dilactone moiety that participates in the creation of a γ-lactone ring with the anomeric carbon of the glucose core. Lythracin D (2) was determined as an atropisomer of the reported lythcarin D. These newly discovered structures (1 and 2) were determined by intensive spectroscopic experiments and by comparing DFT-calculated 1H1H coupling, 1H NMR chemical shifts, and ECD data with experimental values. The anti-acetylcholinesterase assay of the compounds 1-10 revealed that the C-1 ellagitannin epimers [casuarinin (7; IC50 = 34 ± 2 nM) and stachyurin (8; IC50 = 56 ± 3 nM)], and the new dimer (2; IC50 = 61 ± 4 nM) possess enzyme inhibitory effects comparable to the reference drug (donepezil, IC50 = 44 ± 3 nM). Molecular docking of compounds 1-10 with AChE identified the free galloyl moiety as an important pharmacophore in the anticholinesterase activity of tannins.

Antibacterial and anti-trichomunas characteristics of local landraces of Lawsonia inermis L.

BACKGROUND: Henna (Lawsonia inermis) with anti-bacterial properties has been widely used in traditional medicine especially Persian medicine. Henna oil is suggested for diseases of infectious origin, such as cervical ulcers. Group B Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and, Trichomonas vaginalis are involved in the infection of women especially cervicitis. Henna grows in dry and tropical regions. The main important landraces of henna landraces are cultivated in Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan, Hormozgan, and Bushehr provinces in Iran. Proper use of antimicrobial agents, use of new antimicrobial strategies, and alternative methods, such as herbal methods may help reduce drug resistance in the future. This study's objective was to investigate the anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of three different henna landraces and antimicrobial effects against group B Streptococcus agalactiae and, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: Total phenol content was measured by Folin ciocaltu method. Antibacterial effect of landraces of Henna against P. aeruginosa and S. agalactiae were assayed by well diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration assessments were done using the broth micro-dilution technique. Anti-Trichomonas effect of Henna landraces were assayed by Hemocytometery method. RESULTS: Total phenol content of Shahdad, Rudbar-e-Jonub, and Qaleh Ganj was 206.51, 201.96, and 254.85 µg/ml, respectively. Shahdad, Rudbar-e-Jonub, and Qaleh Ganj had MIC against GBS at 15, 15 and, 4 µg/ml. The growth inhibition diameter of the most effective henna (Shahdad landrace) at a concentration of 20 µg/ml on P. aeruginosa was 2.46 ± 0.15 cm and in the MIC method at a concentration of 5 µg/ml of Shahdad landrace, P. aeruginosa did not grow. IC50 of shahdad Henna after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h was 7.54, 4.83 and 20.54 µg/ml, respectively. IC50 of Rudbar-e-Jonub extract was 5.76, 3.79 and 5.77 µg/ml in different days. IC50 of Qaleh Ganj extract was 6.09, 4.08 and 5.74 µg/ml in different days. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of total phenol in Qaleh Ganj was higher than the other varieties. In the well diffusion method, Qaleh Ganj was more effective against group B Streptococcus (Gram-positive bacterium) than the other two landraces, and Shahdad landrace was more effective against P. aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacterium) than other. In the MIC method, the same result was obtained as in the well diffusion method, but at a lower concentration.

Evaluation Of Anti-inflammatory Mediated Anti-hemorrhoidal Activity of Lawsonia inermis on Croton Oil Induced Hemorrhoidal Rats.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoids are a common recto-anal disorder commonly known as piles or tissue clumps in the rectum. In normal individuals, they were known as anal cushions. In the anus, they are composed of rectal blood vessels, muscles, and elastic fibres. When bulged, it can cause bleeding, constipation, itching, severe pain, and bleeding in the anus. Inflammation of the anal cushion remains major pathogenesis for the development of hemorrhoids. Inflammatory mediators like neutrophils, TNF-α, and IL-6 seem to play a major role in the development of disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to carry out the ethanolic leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis (L. inermis) and evaluate its anti-hemorrhoidal activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Molecular Docking was performed on the crystal structure of COX-2 with the selective compound 23d-(R) (PDB ID: 3NTG) protein. METHODS: The current study is to estimate an anti-inflammatory mediated anti-hemorrhoidal activity of ethanolic leaf extract of L. inermis at different doses of 200 mg/kg/ir and 400 mg/kg/ir in croton oil-induced hemorrhoidal rats. Pilex ointment is taken as a reference standard in the present study. Evan's blue extravasation technique were applied in the study to quantify the proinflammatory protein. RESULTS: From the study results, a dose-dependent effect was found for ethanolic leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg causing a significant reduction of serum Proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and plasma neutrophils in croton oil-induced hemorrhoidal rats. CONCLUSION: Studies represented that the plant extract can significantly inhibit protein denaturation of egg albumin in in vitro and found to reduce croton oil induced inflammatory mediators in hemorhhoidal rats.

Characterization and Antidermatophyte Activity of Henna Extracts: A Promising Therapy for Humans and Animals Dermatophytoses.

Dermatophytoses representing a major global health problem and dermatophyte species with reduced susceptibility to antifungals are increasingly reported. Therefore, we investigated for the first time the antidermatophyte activity and phytochemical properties of the sequential extracts of the Egyptian privet Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity of chloroform, diethyl ether, acetone, ethanol 80%, and aqueous extracts were evaluated. The antifungal activity of henna leaves extracts (HLE) toward 30 clinical dermatophytes isolates, including Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and T. rubrum, was determined. Morphological changes in hyphae were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Following the polarity of ethanol and acetone, they exhibited distinct efficiency for the solubility and extraction of polyphenolic polar antioxidants from henna leaves. Fraxetin, lawsone, and luteolin-3-O-glucoside were the major phenolic compounds of henna leaves, as assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. A high and significant positive correlation was found between TPC, TF, the antioxidants, and the antidermatophyte activities of HLE. Acetone and ethanol extracts exhibited the highest antifungal activity toward the tested dermatophyte species with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges 12.5-37.5 and 25-62.5 µg/mL, respectively. Structural changes including collapsing, distortion, inflating, crushing of hyphae with corrugation of walls, and depressions on hyphal surfaces were observed in SEM analysis for dermatophyte species treated with MICs of griseofulvin, acetone, and ethanol extracts. In conclusion, acetone and ethanolic extracts of henna leaves with their major constituent fraxetin exhibited effective antifungal activity toward dermatophyte species and may be developed as an alternative for dermatophytosis treatment. These findings impart a useful insight into the development of an effective and safe antifungal agent for the treatment of superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes.

Wound healing properties of green (using Lawsonia inermis leaf extract) and chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles in albino rats.

Wound healing is one of the utmost medical issues in human and veterinary medicine, which explains the urgent need for developing new agents that possess wound healing activities. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of green and chemical zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for wound healing. ZnO-NPs (green using Lawsonia inermis leaf extract and chemical) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The gels containing the nanomaterials were prepared and inspected. Forty-five albino rats were divided into three groups, the control group was treated with normal saline 0.9%, and the other two groups were treated with gels containing green or chemical ZnO-NPs, respectively. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-treatment (PT), the wounds were clinicopathologically examined. Both nanomaterials have good crystallinity and high purity, but green ZnO-NPs have a longer nanowire length and diameter than chemical ZnO-NPs. The formed gels were highly viscous with a pH of 6.5 to 7. The treated groups with ZnO-NP gels showed clinical improvement, as decreased wound surface area (WSA) percent (WSA%), increased wound contraction percent (WC%), and reduced healing time (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The histological scoring showed that the epithelialization score was significantly higher at the 21st day post-treatment in the treated groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but the vasculature, necrosis, connective tissue formation, and collagen synthesis scores were mostly similar. The green and chemical ZnO-NP gels showed promising wound healing properties; however, the L. inermis-mediated ZnO-NPs were more effective.

A Study On the Optoelectronic Parameters of Natural Dyes Extracted from Beetroot, Cabbage, Walnut, and Henna for Potential Applications in Organic Electronics.

In this work, the optoelectronic parameters of natural dyes extracted from beetroot, red cabbage, walnut leaves, and henna were comprehensively investigated, namely the optical energy gap (Eg), extinction coefficient (k), refractive index (n), dielectric constant ([Formula: see text], and optical conductivity ([Formula: see text]. Results showed a high refractive index, dielectric constant and optical conductivity ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) for the dye extracted from red cabbage, while minimum values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were obtained for the henna dye. The transition type of the optical absorption of the dyes was found to be a direct allowed transition, which is taken place between the bonding and antibonding molecular energy levels. The reported results herein are essential in revealing the viability of these natural dyes for potential applications in organic electronics, including organic photovoltaics, photodiodes, and sensors.

Pain-relieving effects of Lawsonia inermis on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of Lawsonia inermis (L. inermis) extract in the chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain. Following CCI surgery, L. inermis extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and gabapentin (100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally for 14 consecutive days. Heat hyperalgesia and allodynia were assessed by radiant heat, aceton drop, and von frey filament tests, respectively. Rat pain behaviors were evaluated on -1sh, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 14th days post CCI surgery. At the end of the study, the spinal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol, IL1-ß, and TNF-α were estimated. Treatment of L. inermis extract reversed the decreased level of thiol and the elevation of MDA level in the spinal cord of CCI rats. Besides, L. inermis extract treatment decreased the elevation of inflammatory markers including IL1-ß, and TNF-α in the spinal cord of CCI rats. These results indicated that L. inermis has potential neuroprotective effects against CCI induced neuropathic pain due to its anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Efficacy of topical Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) hydrogel in fluorouracil-induced hand-foot syndrome: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a frequent dose-limiting adverse reaction of fluoropyrimidine drugs like capecitabine and 5-flourouracil (5-FU) in breast and gastrointestinal cancers. It has been shown that conventional application of Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) is effective in ameliorating of the skin lesions. To increase the patient compliance, in this study we formulated a standardized topical hydrogel (H.gel) containing the hydroalcoholic extract (10%) of Henna and evaluated its clinical efficacy for the management of fluorouracil associated HFS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The topical dosage form was standardized based on its Lawsone content. Eighteen patients suffering from HFS were randomized to receive H.gel and the placebo four times a day for 2 weeks. At the baseline and at the end of the trial, HFS grades were determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reactions following administration of H.gel were observed in one patient, while no serious adverse events occurred in the others. No statistically significant differences between two arms were observed at the baseline (p-value = 0.133), after treatment (p-value = 0.590) and grade differences (p-value = 0.193). The applied hydrogel showed less efficacy compared to the traditional method of using Henna, meaning that Lawsone may not be a good indicator for standardizing the topical dosage form.

Two new C-glycosidic ellagitannins and accompanying tannins from Lawsonia inermis leaves and their cytotoxic effects.

Investigation on tannins having antitumor properties led to the isolation of two new C-glycosidic ellagitannins (1 and 2) along with seven known ellagitannins (3-9) and a related polyphenolic constituent (10) from Lawsonia inermis leaves. Our intensive HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD spectroscopic studies of new tannins have shown that one (1) has a monomer structure of C-glycosidic tannin, and the other (2) has a dimeric structure of 2,3-O-hexahydroxydiphenoyl glucopyranose and a C-glycosidic tannin. Among the known compounds, one (3) is a C-glycosidic tannin that was isolated first of all from nature, five were C-glycosidic tannins, vescalagin (4), 1-O-methylvescalagin (5), castalagin (6), stachyurin (7), and casuarinin (8), and one was an O-glycosidic ellagitannin, tellimagrandin II (9). The remaining phenolic constituent from the leaves was identified as valoneic acid dilactone (10). The ellagitannins 1, and 3-9 demonstrated noticeable cytotoxicity on human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (HSC-2, HSC-4, and Ca9-22), and lower effects on human oral normal cells (HGF, HPC, and HPLF). Tellimagrandin II (9) had the highest tumor-specific cytotoxicity, and also cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in HSC-2 cells. These findings showed that L. inermis ellagitannins may be a candidate for the production of anti-oral cancer materials.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles using plant Lawsonia inermis and their mosquitocidal, antimicrobial, anticancer applications showing moderate side effects.

Microbes or parasites spread vector-borne diseases by mosquitoes without being affected themselves. Insecticides used in vector control produce a substantial problem for human health. This study synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Lawsonia inermis L. and were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, SEM with EDX, and XRD analysis. Green synthesized ZnO NPs were highly toxic against Anopheles stephensi, whose lethal concentrations values ranged from 5.494 ppm (I instar), 6.801 ppm (II instar), 9.336 ppm (III instar), 10.736 ppm (IV instar), and 12.710 ppm (pupae) in contrast to L. inermis treatment. The predation efficiency of the teleost fish Gambusia affinis and the copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis against A. stephensi was not affected by exposure at sublethal doses of ZnO NPs. The predatory potency for G. affinis was 45 (I) and 25.83% (IV), copepod M. aspericornis was 40.66 (I) and 10.8% (IV) while in an ZnO NPs contaminated environment, the predation by the fish G. affinis was boosted to 71.33 and 34.25%, and predation of the copepod M. aspericornis was 60.35 and 16.75%, respectively. ZnO NPs inhibited the growth of several microbial pathogens including the bacteria (Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) and the fungi (Alternaria alternate and Aspergillus flavus), respectively. ZnO NPs decreased the cell viability of Hep-G2 with IC50 value of 21.63 µg/mL (R2 = 0.942; P < 0.001) while the concentration increased from 1.88 to 30 µg/mL. These outcomes support the use of L. inermis mediated ZnO NPs for mosquito control and drug development.

Antibacterial activity of methanol extracts of the leaves of three medicinal plants against selected bacteria isolated from wounds of lymphoedema patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lymphoedema are at high risk of getting bacterial and fungal wound infections leading to acute inflammatory episodes associated with cellulitis and erysipelas. In Ethiopia, wound infections are traditionally treated with medicinal plants. METHODS: Agar well diffusion and colorimetric microdilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of methanol extracts of the three medicinal plants against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella alage, methicillin-resistant S. aureus ATCC®43300TM, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC700603, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC37853. RESULTS: The methanol extract of L. inermis leaves showed high activity against all tested bacterial species, which was comparable to the standard drugs. Similarly, the extracts of A. indica showed activity against all tested species though at higher concentrations, and higher activity was recorded against Streptococcus pyogenes isolates at all concentrations. However, the extract of A. aspera showed the lowest activity against all tested species except Streptococcus pyogenes isolates. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded with the extract of L. inermis against E. coli isolate and S. aureus ATCC 25923. CONCLUSION: Methanol extracts of L. inermis, A. indica, and A. aspera leaves exhibited antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial isolates involved in wound infections, of which the methanol extracts of L. inermis exhibited the highest activity. The results of the present study support the traditional use of plants against microbial infections, which could potentially be exploited for the treatment of wound infections associated with lymphoedema.

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.

Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review.

In the era of antimicrobial resistance, fungal pathogens are not an exception. Several strategies, including antimicrobial stewardship programs and high throughput screening of new drugs, are being implemented. Several recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant compounds with antifungal activity. In this systematic review, we examine the use of natural compounds as a possible avenue to fight fungal infections produced by Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen. Electronic literature searches were conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Science Direct limited to the 5 years. A total of 131 articles were included, with 186 plants extracts evaluated. Although the majority of the natural extracts exhibited antifungal activities against C. albicans (both in vivo and in vitro), the strongest antifungal activity was obtained from Lawsonia inermis, Pelargonium graveolens, Camellia sinensis, Mentha piperita, and Citrus latifolia. The main components with proven antifungal activities were phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, thymol, and flavonoids (especially catechin), polyphenols such as tannins, terpenoids and saponins. The incorporation of nanotechnology greatly enhances the antifungal properties of these natural compounds. Further research is needed to fully characterize the composition of all herbal extracts with antifungal activity as well as the mechanisms of action of the active compounds.

In Vitro: Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis and Ameliorative Potential of Lawsonia inermis Extract in Human Lung, Colon and Liver Cancer Cell Line.

Cancer has emerged as a major public health issue in developed as well as in developing countries. Plant-derived molecules are widely being used in the treatment of cancer due to their minimum side effects. Lawsonia inermis (Henna) is one of the medicinal plants containing many therapeutic properties. In the present study, bioactive components of L. inermis extract were analyzed by LCMS/MS method and validated. Lawsone (3.5%) is primarily responsible for cytotoxic and anti-cancerous activities. These properties were studied on human lung carcinoma (A549), colorectal cancer (DLD1) and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cancer cell lines. The activities were assessed by MTT assay, evaluation of apoptosis by measuring the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential of the cancer cell lines. Moreover, apoptosis in the respective cancer cell lines was also determined by chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation using Hoechst 33528 and propidium iodide (PI) staining. The preliminary in vitro result of MTT showed that the henna extract induces cytotoxic properties against A549, DLD1, HepG2 with IC50values 490, 480 and 610 µg/ml respectively (more than 40% growth inhibition). In addition, the extract induced a concentration-dependent rise in ROS production which was 84, 102, and 110% in HepG2, DLD1 AND A549 respectively at 300 µg/ml, whereas at 400 µg/ml concentration it was 86, 102, and 106% in respective cell lines while decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential was more than 20% in the investigated cell lines. The extract also provoked changes associated with apoptosis and the data indicate that the ROS production leads to a diminution in mitochondrial membrane potential and this correlated with the extract cytotoxicity.