Dyer's shrub

Synonym(s)

Alkana bush; Egyptian dyer's bush; Egyptian Privet; Henna Bush; Lawsonia inermis; Lawsonia spinosa L.

Definition
This section has been translated automatically.

2-5 m high deciduous shrub; whitish bark; whitish to pink flowers, pea-sized, spherical capsule fruits, which turn blue to purple-black when ripe.

The henna obtained from the powdered leaves is used for dyeing hair, utensils, as a food dye and fragrance.

Phytotherapeutically, the leaves, Hennae folium, are used in empirical medicine, no monograph.

Occurrence
This section has been translated automatically.

Mediterranean countries, Asia Minor, North and East Africa, Northern Australia, India, Madagascar.

You might also be interested in

Advertisment

Internal medicine

Candle syndrome

CANDLE syndrome (CANDLE is the acronym for "chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and...

Field of application/use
This section has been translated automatically.

Dried and ground leaves and stems produce a green-grey powder, which is sold commercially. The dye, henna also known as Lawson, a red naphthoquinone dye, is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosides (hennosides) and subsequent oxidation.

Note(s)
This section has been translated automatically.

Even the ancient Egyptians used henna as body jewelry, for skin, nails and hair. In India, palm painting is still very popular. Henna is currently experiencing an upswing as a colorant for non-permanent tattoos.

Sensitizations caused by pure henna are rare (see henna below). The allergen is a 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Sensitizations caused by the p-phenyldiamine added to henna are more common.