Insights into the phytochemical potential of Lawsonia inermis L. for future small molecule based therapeutic applications

Abstract

Lawsonia inermis L., commonly known as Henna plant, have been reported to be useful both medicinally and commercially. The phytochemical extract of this plant leaves have been reported to be a rich source of phenols, glycosides, anthraquinones and many other active constituents. Therapeutically, this plant has been used to treat diabetes, arthritis, obesity, ulcers, wounds, microbial infections, inflammation and liver damage. The extracts have also been instrumental in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels in mice. But one of the most crucial aspects of this plant is, limiting the growth of malignant cells. Extracts have shown apoptosis promoting activity in human cancer cell lines like breast cancer cells. The pigment lawsone, is commercially used on a large scale, as a dying agent for fabrics and skin. This component has shown potential role in reducing oxidative burst in cell, hence, establishing its role as an antioxidant, which should help researchers to manipulate the property, for establishing new potential drugs against cancer. Apart from “Lawsone” the small molecule reservoir of Lawsonia inermis L. have not been commercially utilized effectively and in the future these bioactive compound set should be explored for formulating new chemical entities.