Lawsonia inermis L. also known as mehendi or henna is a shrub or small tree with dense branches, it is cultivated for its various parts (stem bark, roots, flowers, and seeds) that are used in traditional medicine. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas. The benefits of mehendi are mentioned in abundance in the history of Indian Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Chinese medicine. Mehendi has been an essential part of our traditions and it symbolizes fertility. Its popularity in India is due to the cooling effect of the herb which is useful for people in the summers.

Health benefits

Potential Uses of Mehendi as an Antidiabetic Herb: 

Mehendi extracts demonstrated blood sugar lowering and lipid-lowering activities in studies and thus can be used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood in persons with diabetes. Diabetes is a major health condition and requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor. Therefore, human trials of mehendi are necessary to provide its potential usage for managing blood sugar levels in humans.

Potential Uses of Mehendi Immunomodulatory Activity: 

Mehendi leaf extract demonstrated immunity stimulating effect immunomodulatory effect in studies as shown by the increase in a certain type of white blood cells, called T-lymphocytes. Further studies are needed to establish the claim of the effect of mehendi on immunomodulatory effects.

Potential Uses of Mehendi Hepatoprotective Activity: 

Mehendi bark extract has also demonstrated hepatoprotective (liver-protective) and antioxidant activity in studies. Mehendi leaf extracts were able to reduce the weight of the liver and the total bilirubin content in the blood.  However, more human studies are needed to estimate the extent to which it will be beneficial for human health.

Potential Uses of Mehendi Sickle Cell Anaemia: 

In some countries, sickle cell anemia is a common disease. In this condition, there is the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells. These cells block the blood vessels and this results in obstruction in the transportation of oxygen. In several studies, mehendi has been found to prohibit the formation of sickle cells. However, serious conditions like sickle cell anemia must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Potential Uses of Mehendi Microbial Activity: 

Some components of mehendi have been found to possess antimicrobial activity. Extracts of mehendi can treat infectious diseases. Researches show that mehendi extract has antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative types of bacteria. 

Henna seeds, from the plant scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis, are called by various names across different states in India. Here are some regional names for Henna:

Hindi: Mehandi, Mehndi

Marathi: Mehndi

Tamil: Maruthani, Mailanji

Telugu: Gorintaaku, Gorintaku

Kannada: Goralakayi, Goranti, Goranta gida

Malayalam: Mailanchi, Madayantika

Bengali: Mehedi, Mendi

Gujarati: Mehndi

Punjabi: Mehndi

Oriya: Mehandi, Henna

Other Names: Alcanna, Egyptian Privet, Hennae Folium, Henne, Henné, Jamaica Mignonette, Lawsonia alba, Lawsonia inermis, Mehndi, Mendee, Mignonette Tree, Plante du Paradis, Reseda, Smooth Lawsonia, Henna Seeds , Beej Mehndi , Lawsonia inermis, Heena Seeds, Hinna, Mehendi Beej, Hina, Heena, Mehandi Beej, Menhdi, Hena, Hina, Beej Mendi beej mehndi mehendi beej henna seeds, Mehdi, Mahendi  beej, Gorintaku, Maruthani, Madyantika

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