Dyer's shrub

Synonym(s)

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

Definition
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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.

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

Field of application/use
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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)
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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.