Synonym(s)
Alkana bush; Egyptian dyer's bush; Egyptian Privet; Henna Bush; Lawsonia inermis; Lawsonia spinosa L.
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
2-5 m tall deciduous shrub; bark whitish; flowers whitish to pink.
OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.
Mediterranean countries, Asia Minor, North and East Africa, Northern Australia, India, Madagascar.
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
Dried and ground leaves and stems produce a green-grey powder which is sold. The dye, henna also called 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. At present henna is experiencing an upswing as a dye for non-permanent tattoos.
Sensitizations by pure henna are rare (see below henna). Allergen is a 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. More frequent are sensitizations caused by the p-phenyldiamine added to henna.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles