Lawsonia inermis Linn; Review of Plant with Both Industrial and Medicinal Properties

Plants are very important in the global settings, both human and animals make use of them for food and medicinal purpose. More than 75% of the entire world populace makes use of plants for their medicinal activities. This usage of medicinal plant is due to the fact that they have fewer side effects and possess higher degree of synergism when compared to synthetic chemotherapeutic agents. Reports showed that modern synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs have their origin from various medicinal plants. Lawsonia inermis is one of the most important medicinal plants in use. This plant has been in existence several decades ago as drugs, cosmetics and preservative in many cultures and tribes across the globe especially India and Africa. This plant has been prescribed in African alternative therapy as purgatives, abortifacient and astringent. Henna has also been reported for some pharmacological potentials which includes; pain reliever, anti-diabetes, liver protective, immune booster, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and inhibiting action against microbes, fungal, viral, trypanosome and plasmodium. There is a believed in India that when Lawsonia inermis is mixed with vinegar, it can serve as a remedy for headaches. It is also used as a coagulant when there is an open wound. In addition, when a poultice is made from the leaves of Lawsonia inermis, it is reported to soothe burns and certain types of eczema. Henna as a medicinal plant is now considered as a valuable source of distinct natural phytochemicals for development of potential new drugs against various diseases in both human and animals.


INTRODUCTION
Plants with medicinal potential possess various phytochemical constituents which serve as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating both human and animal ailment (Barlianaet al., 2014).Herbal therapy which is normally adopted by traditional medical practitioner provides an insight in the underexplored use of various medicinal plants which opens an avenue for discovery of new drugs. This discovery will assist in overcoming the persistent problem of resistance and toxicity commonly associated various synthetic chemotherapeutic agents (Spellberget al.,2008). In folk medical practices; the uses of plants with medicinal potential play a significant role in covering the basic health requirement in most developing countries. Recent report shows an increase in the interest of scientist around the world in the exploration of various pharmacological activities of medicinal plants and to ascertain the assertion made about their efficacy by Ayurveda (Kasture et al., 2001).
Lawsonia inermis Linn (henna plant) has been reported to be an important medicinal plant across the world. It is a popular plant especially when the leaves are used in staining different part of the body such as nails, beard and hair (Chengaiahet al., 2010).
Leaves of Lawsonia inermis have been employed in the treatment of many diseases such as diabetes mellitus, measles, poliomyelitis and other various conditions among the major tribe of South-Western part of Nigeria (Oladunmoye and Kehinde, 2011). Various reports have shown that the seeds of this plant possess deodorant activities thereby making it useful in the treatment of various gynecological conditions such as vaginal discharge, menorrhagia and leucorrhoea (Nawagishet al.,2007). Henna that is from Lawsonia inermis is a potent dyeing agent use in cosmetic industry in many parts of the world (Chengaiahet al., 2010).
The multifaceted uses of Lawsonia inermis have been widely explored in Nigeria as reported for its cosmetic and antimalarial activities (Idowu et al., 2010) and its abortifacient activities (Aguwa, 1987). The paste made from roasted seed of henna plant when combines with ginger leaves is used for treating ring worm. Decoction produces from the leaves of this plant is said to be employed in wound cleaning and healing (Kumari et al., 2011).Reports have also shown that many people of South West Nigeria make use of henna plant for haematopoiesis activities in anaemic individuals (Idowu et al., 2010).
Judging by all these benefits, this review focuses in exploring the hidden potential towards the benefit of mankind. This review laid more

Survey of Lawsonia inermis
In 2010, Idowu et al., carried out an ethno-botanical survey in South West, Nigeria. The result showed that most of people which constitute of about 7.41% of the respondents use the leaves of henna for treatment of malaria. The result further indicated that most respondent prefer to use the plant when soaked in water.

Description of Lawsonia inermis
The plant is a branched small tree with spiny and glabrous shrub and range from 200-800 cm in height. The branches of the young plant are quadrangular and green but most part of the branches turn to red as they mature (Orwa et al., 2009). The plant tree is about 1.8 to 7.6 m in height. The leaves are mostly seen growing opposite each other on the stem. They are long and wider at mid part and their dimensions reads 0.15-50 mm x 0.05-20 mm or 0.6-2 in x 0.2-0.8). They possess depressed veins mostly at the dorsal surface. The flowers of henna plant have both sepals and calyx tube anchored by spread lobes. The petals of this distinct plant are obviate showing white or red stamens which is mostly found in pairs on the rim of the calyx tube. The ovary is about 5 mm long; four celled which most times found in erect position. The fruits of henna have small brownish capsules and they are about 0.4-0.8 cm in diameter and having about 31-50 seeds in a single fruit. The fruit open irregularly and formed into four splits when fully ripened (Kumar et al., 2005).
The seeds of henna which are mostly dark brown color have typical pyramidal shape. The average dimensions of the seed are 15.1 cm (thickness) x 22.02 cm (length) x 18.87 cm (width). The powder of henna plant is odorless and bitter to taste. Transverse section of henna seed is about 2-3 layered which have a yellowbrown testa together with a thick endosperm incorporated in tiny embryo (Kumar et al., 2005).

Cultivation of Lawsonia inermis
Lawsonia inermis Linn (Henna) is mostly cultivated in various part of the world such as North Africa, North Australia, Southern or Western Asia, in tropics and semi-arid zones. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2013). The plant gives the most dye when cultivated at slightly high temperature of about 35-45 °C (Becholdet al., 2009) and grows rapidly during the onset of precipitation leading to production new shoots that later regress after sprouting. Leaves of Lawsonia inermis Linn (henna) later turn to yellow and which later fall during prolong season. It does not thrive well and may die at low temperatures (Bechold et al., 2009).

Parts of Lawsonia inermis used
It is mostly the leaves of henna that are used as both herbal medicine and dye for staining. The bark and the oil extracted from the flowers have been used to some extent. The leaves should be collected from plants that are about three years old, dried and ground into a powder in achieving these purposes (Hensel and Wolfgang, 2008).
Seed: Few researches have been conducted on the phytochemical properties of the seeds of henna plant. Thus, there has been dearth of information as far as the standardization and analysis of seeds of henna plant is concerned. Based on the ethno-medicinal properties of henna seeds, aqueous extract provides the highest phytochemical properties compared to other non-polar solvent. Report showed that percentage ash values were 3.06 for the total extract but showed 0.76 in acid insoluble ash and 0.84 in water soluble ash and about 9.09 % is loss on drying. Reports on the pH of henna was 7.04 in aqueous extract, foaming index of 1080g/l, resin is about 5.53% and the oil is about 1.429%. Both ethanol and aqueous analysis of the Hanna seed extracts indicate that it contains protein, carbohydrates, phenolics and triterpenoids among other compounds (Nawagishet al., 2007). Bark: The bark of Lawsonia inermis Linn contains compounds such as Naphthoquinones, Isoplumbagin, Triterpenoids, Hennadiol and Aliphatic (3-methylnonacosan-1-ol) (Sukh, 2003) Flower: The flower of henna plant upon steam distillation result in the production of essential oil about 0.02 % which is rich in ionones (90 %) and βionones is more predominant (Sukh, 2003) Chemical composition Boubaya et al., 2011,set out to established the chemical composition of henna plant. The outcome of the study pointed out that the leaves of henna contain calcium, sodium, phosphorous and potassium which ranges from 0.2-4%. Magnesium was observed to be less than 0.2% while copper, zinc and iron were above 0.5, 1.1 and 15%. Manganese and nitrogen matter were seen below 1.5%. The study further revealed that phosphorous and potassium in the stem were above 5.12 and 0.5% respectively. Magnesium was less than 0.08%, while the sodium and calcium were also less than 0.2%. Copper, zinc, iron and manganese were less than 0.95, 1.7, 4 and 0.5%, respectively and nitrogen matter was less than 0.2% (Boubaya et al., 2011).
Afzal et al.

Social and industrial properties of Lawsonia inermis
Dyeing and beautifying potential of Henna: It is an ancient practice among women to engage beautifying various parts of their bodies.They indulge in body decorations so as to enhance their beauty while others use it for social and religious purposes. Henna which is a temporary stain is used mainly for beautification and drawing of designs on the body. Various reports showed that henna art has been practiced in countries like India, many part of Africa, and Middle East for centuries where there is a common believe that the plant bring love, good fortune and protection against evil (Idowu et al., 2010). Henna also known as''Lalle'' in northern part of Nigeria is locally used during sallah festival, marriages, passage of adolescent and in time important joyous moment. The paste which is produced from the leaves when applied to the skin surface for a few moments and subsequently removed, it leads to beautiful markings of orange, red or even black dye decoration on the applied part of the body.These markings later fade off naturally in the course of 2-3 weeks. Reports showed that in recent time, henna is produced commercially and sold in a ready-made factory fitted containers thereby enhancing easy usage for the artists. Unlike before when extensive work has to be done before one can make use of it (Idowu et al., 2010).
Henna is widely known for its aesthetic use, traditional uses and application processes have gone contemporary as the plant is not only used for body decoration but also as dyeing of hair. Henna is highly recommended for both sexes to dye their hair because it is a natural product and has less or no carcinogenic effect compared to other synthetic dying agents (Mohammed et al., 2012). It is a well-established practice in Northern part of Nigeria during wedding festival that is henna is celebrated as part of the marriage rites traditionally known 'Ranar Kunshi' meaning 'Henna Day' that is mostly set aside as part of the wedding ceremonies where the bride and her friends adorned themselves with various designs and decoration (Mohammed et al., 2012).
In Asia sub-continent like India and Pakistan, Henna is usually known as Mehndi and is naturally applied to various parts of the body during Hindu weddings, festivals like Diwali and Teej. North Indian wedding ceremonies include one evening solely dedicated for adorning the bride and groom in Mehndi. This night is referred to as 'Mehndi ki raat. Indian tradition says that the longer your Henna stays on your hand, the longer it is believed your in-laws will treat you well. If the Henna fades out quickly, it is a sign of an unhappy marriage. Muslims in the South Asia countries like Malaysia also apply henna (Mehndi) during weddings and festivals such as Eid-Fitr and Eid-Adha. Malaysian women also useto adorn the bride and groom's hands before the wedding at a berinai ceremony (Arpitha Associates (2005).
There exists a folk tale that using henna during marriage celebration leads to increase love and fertility between the couple especially when the bride adorns herself with henna designs and decoration before coming to the husband's house as it brings good luck to the family (Mohammed et al., 2012).
Anticorrosion potential: Corrosion is natural processes which convert a refined metal to a more chemically form such as its oxide or surphide (Philip et al., 2010).The aqueous extract of Lawsonia inermis was studied to know the anticorrosive effect on various metals and alloys using the polarization method. The outcome showed degree of anticorrosion activities depend on the both the type of metal and the medium used. The study further emphasized that the metals steel and nickel anticorrosive efficiency increased in the order of the medium ranging from alkaline to neutral and neutral to acidic. Anticorrosive properties of zinc followed the reverse order as to those of steel and nickel. The study concluded that the anticorrosive properties of henna plantextract possess a mixed inhibition effect on various metals (El-Etre et al., 2005).
Henna plantand its main compounds such as lawsone, α-D-Glucose, gallic acid, and tannic acid are known to possess anticorrosive effect on iron steel especially at acidic solution. The anticorrosive potential was studied using electrochemical method and surface analysis. The result obtained when polarization measurements was taken showed that the studied constituent act as a mixed inhibitor which increases with the concentration of the medium. It was noted that maximum inhibitory efficiency was obtained at 1.2 g/l of henna plant extract and this efficiency increases in the order of the compounds lawsone to α-D-Glucose and to tannic acid (Ostovariet al., 2009).
Al-Sehaibaniet al., 2000 conducted another study assessing the extract ofhenna leaves for its anticorrosive potentials. The aqueous extracts of the leaves were used on steel, aluminum saline, acid and alkaline medium. The result of the study showed that maximum efficiency was seen at 20g/L of the extract. The anticorrosive efficiency of iron steel in acid medium by the extract was 96% and the effect on the aluminum in alkaline medium is almost 100%. The study concluded that the extract did not show anti-corrosive action on both steel and aluminum in alkaline medium (Al-Sehaibaniet al., 2000). Rehan (2003) investigated the anticorrosive action of aqueous extracts from the leaves of various plants such as Phoenix dectylifera(date palm plant),

Lawsonia inermis (henna plant) and
Zea mays (corn plant) on some metals such as steel, aluminum and copper in acidic and alkaline medium using the weight loss and medium analysis potential for scoring. The outcome showed that the inhibitory action depends on the type of metal and the composition of the medium.
Phoenix dectyliferaand Lawsoniainermis extracts were found to possess the best anticorrosive rate on the steel in acidic medium and aluminum in alkaline medium. It was stated that the anticorrosive efficiency increased with increasing concentration of the extract (Rehan, 2003). The anticorrosive effect was interpreted using chemical absorption of some active constituent in the leaves according to their Temkin isotherm (Temkin isotherm is a model that assumes the adsorption of heat in all molecules.The adsorption is mostly characterized by a uniform distribution of binding energies.) (Buchweishaija, 2009). Microbiological staining potential: Gram staining is the main procedure adopted by microbiologist in the identification of Gram positive and Gramnegative bacterial. Reports showed that both aqueous and ethanol extracts of henna plant leaves can be used as a counter stain in Gram staining. Chukwu et al., (2011) conducted a study on the different extracts of henna plant.
The extracts were fractionated into different staining solution having different concentrations which were later modified using different solution such as hydrogen peroxide, ferric chloride, potassium alum and potassium permanganate. These extracts were used to stain bacterial isolates using Gram staining method. The henna plant extracts were compared conventional counter stains serving as standard control. The result showed that aqueous extracts of the Lawsonia inermis gave a better staining reaction with Gram negative bacteria, while the ethanol extract had no staining reaction with Gram negative bacteria.
The study concluded thatLawsonia inermis can be used in place standard counter stains used in Gram staining technique in the microbiology laboratories (Chukwu et al., 2011).

Ethno-pharmacological potentials
Anti-diabetic potential: Diabetic mellitus simply referred to as a clinical and genetical heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders with common features abnormal rise in blood glucose (WHO, 2010 (2007)  The result showed that Lawsonia inermis leaves suspension yielded Gram negative: 55-85 µg/ ml and for Gram positive >95 µg/ml for broth dilution method: Disc diffusion method showed >95 µg/ml for both Gram negativeand Gram-positiveorganisms. Antimicrobial activity -Disc diffusion method: E. coli: 10 µg/disc and forS. aureus: 25 µg/disc. The study concluded that L. inermis leaves have definite antimicrobial activity against the common urinary pathogens and the leaf components which are responsible for this action have to be isolated (Bhuvane-swariet al. 2002).
The leaves extract of this great plant can also be combined with synthetic anti-biotic for its synergistic effects against the resistant organisms. Ajaiyeoba(2000) embarked on a study to check the synergistic effects of Lawsonia inermis together with two different antibiotics; those acting on the cell wall (gentamycin anderythromycin) and those acting on the nucleic acid (tetracycline and chloramphenicol). The result showed that there is a good synergism between the drug and the plant extract. It was concluded that the synergism can be adopted in modern medicine for treating different diseases especially those organisms that can easily resistconventional antibiotics (Ajaiyeoba, 2000). Tuberculostatic potential: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs and about 9 million people are affected yearly (WHO, 2015). Reports state that Lawsonia inermis have extended spectrum of activities inhibiting the growth of mycobacterium. Sharma (1990) assessed the effect of henna plant and he tested for both invitro and in-vivo activities on the Lowenstein Jensen medium (LJM). Outcome of the study showed that the growth of mycobacteriumwas inhibited at6 µg/ml of the extract. Another in vivostudy on both mice and guinea noted that the henna plant extract at 5 mg/kg brings about significant reduction of Mycobacterium infection (Sharma, 1990 In a similar report in Yemen, when dried flowers of hennaare used on people suffering from malaria, there is significant improvement in the patient treated traditionally (Ali et al., 2004). Fungicidal potential: The leaves of Lawsoniainermis has been reported to have strong anti-fungi activities. The minimum dose that is effective against fungi was stated as 1000ppm (Tripathi et al., 1978). Different fractions of the leaves of Lawsonia inermis have been postulated to have defensive effects on the spore eruption of Drechsleraoryzae (Natarajan and Lalithakumar, 2000). Lawsone which is one of the major constituents of hennahas been reported to have a significant effect on both fungi and bacterial. Raveesha et al., assessed the antifungal potential of Lawsonia inermis leaves on different species of Aspergillus isolated from seed samples of maize paddy and sorghum. The result showed that Aspergilusflavus is the most susceptible even though different fraction has significant effect on the fungi (Raveesha et al., 2007). In a similar experiment, Aghelet al. (2005) obtained the essential oil component of hennaleaves by hydro-distillation.
Upon analysis using GC-MS method, their result showed significant antifungal effect (Aghelet al.,2005). Khan and Nasreen (2010), conducted a study to assess the antifungal potential of five plants using methanolic extracts against ten pathogenic fungi of plant and Candida albicans (B017). Result of the study showed that hennahave the highest percentage in the mycelial inhibition thereby altering the growth of target fungi for almost 76-88% in comparisonwith other plant. The main compounds responsible for antifungal activities were proteins and they have significant activities on plant pathogens (Khan and Nasreen, 2010). Antiviral potential: It has been reported thatthe soluble ethanol fraction of henna plantfruits showed highly potent virucidal effect on Sembiki forest virus in vivo model of both mice and chick embryo having about 65-80% antiviral effects following ten to twenty-five days of viral challenge (Khan et al., 1991). Liver protective potential: Many parts of Lawsonia inermis have shown significant liver protecting effect when liver damage is induced in both rats and mice. Ahmed et al., assessed the liver protective action of ethanolic extract of henna plant in rats. Result showed that henna brings about protection of hepatic cells by ensuring that elevated liver enzyme (ALT and AST), lipid peroxidation, bilirubin content, total protein, and various antioxidant markers were within normal range (Ahmed et al., 2000). In a similar work embarked by Hemalatha et al., who examined the liver protective effect of ethanolic extract of henna plant leaves together with its various crude fractions in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in mice. The outcome of the study showed that extract and its fractions hepatic damage when compared to the control (Hemalatha et al., 2004). Chaudhary et al., also assessed the hepatoprotective potential of different fractions of hennaseeds on induced liver damage in rats. The result showed that Pre-treated rats have a significant alteration in the enzymes markers of the damaged liver when induced by carbon tetrachloride using 0.5 ml/kg intraperitoneally.
Following this observation, the crude and fraction of the seed of henna prevented carbon tetrachloride induce liver damage (Chaudhary et al., 2012).

Anti
-Trypanosome potential: Trypanosomosis is diseases of both man and animals which is characterized by anaemia, abortion, infertility and death especially at the acute phase (Adeyemi et al., 2012). There has been report that that Lawsonia inermis has effects on trypanosome organisms. Wurochekkeet al. researched on the antitrypanosomal potential of henna plantleaves using both in-vitro and in vivo methods in mice. The study noted that methanolic extract of henna leaves possess invitroactivity against Trypanosoma brucei while in-vivo study indicated that henna extract ameliorates the trypanosomosus but the parasitemia and PCV of blood were affected (Wurochekkeet al., 2004). Abortifacient potential: In order to establish the maternal and toxic effects of Lawsonia inermis, Aguwa (1987) conducted research using the methanolic root extracts of the plant for its abortifacient action. The outcome showed that the methanolic extract was very effective in the induction of abortion in mice, rats and guinea pig. The observed abortifacient effect was dose-dependent. To further confirmed the ethno-medicinal use in the procurement of abortion in humans in many parts of Nigeria (Aguwa, 1987). Anticoagulant effect: The important constituent of henna leaves known as lawsone. It is oxazine constituent and one of the compounds isolated from the leaves ofLawsonia inermis. This compound has been reported topossess a significant anticoagulant action (Kumar et al., 1995). Antioxidant potential: Anti-oxidant are groups of compounds that prevent oxidation. Dasgupta et al., 2003, conducted a study to check effect of the leaves of henna plant on the metabolizing enzymes and the antioxidant system using different dosages of ethanol extract in mice. Standard reference of antioxidant enzymes was used as the control. The result showed a significant inhibition of tumor burden cells thereby confirming the anti-oxidant potential of henna plant (Dasgupta et al., 2003). Prakash et al., confirmed that phenolic compound Lawsonia inermis at different concentrations has the same effect when compare with synthetic antioxidant like selenium and vitamins (Prakash et al., 2007). In a similar study conducted by Philip et al., the free radical scavenging and reducing power of hennaseeds using the antioxidant activity was assessed. The phenolic and flavonoid content of different fractions were investigated. In all the fractions assayed, ethanol showed the highest potential for scavenging of free radicals and inhibition lipid peroxidation. The study showed that the antioxidant activities depend on the concentrations of phenols and flavonoids which are always in proportionate to each other. The study concluded that the ethanolic extract of henna seeds plant can be used as good antioxidants (Philips et al., 2011).
Wound healing potential: Nayaket al., conducted a study to see the wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of henna plant. Experimental rats were grouped into three excision model while two groups were in the incision model and dead space models. The extract was applied topically in the excision wound model; they were dosed orally in the other model. The outcome showed that subjects treated with the extracts showed rapid wound healing when compared with controls. The study concluded that henna can promote faster wound healing due to its effect on enhanced wound contraction, hydroxyproline, increased and skin breaking strength (Nayaket al., 2007).
In another experiment conducted by Muhammed and Muhammed(2005)to investigate the effects of henna on the micro-organisms of burnt wound. The result showed that the extract of henna leaves prevents the growth of microorganisms that causes burn wound. This assertion supports the use of Lawsonia inermis in the treatment of wound caused by infectious agents (Muhammed and Muhammed, 2005).

Antidermatophytic potential:
The antidermatophytic effect of different fractions of Lawsonia inermis were assessed on different strains of ringworm such as Tinea species. The entire fraction from the extracts of henna showed a significant antidermatophytic properties following in-vitro modeling (Natarajan and Menon, 2000).

Antiparasitic potential:
Ethno pharmacological survey was carried out in Ivory Coast to check the antiparasitic potential of medicinal plants frequently used. Seventeen different plants were pointed and assembled. Both the polar and non-polar portion the extracts of the various parts tested for in vitro against various parasites like plasmodium spp, leishmania spp, lice and various worms. The study concluded that Lawsonia inermis showed significant trypanocidal activities (Okpekonet al., 2004). Molluscicidal potential:Mollusca represent one of the most important carriers of cestode which in turn damage the internal organ of grazing animals. Research was embarked on to assess the anti-molluscal potential of Lawsonia inermis.The outcome of the study showed henna plant possess a significant Molluscicidal activity (Singh and Singh, 2001). Contraceptive potential: It has been shown that ethanolic extract produced from grinded seeds of henna plant was observed not to be devoid of antifertility effect but subsequent studies showed that when theleaves is use as suspension or added to the feed of rats, fertility will be inhibited. The induced anti-fertilityaction is a permanent one thereby leading to sterility (Munshi et al., 1997). Samagoroet al., 2012, conducted research in rats using the roots of Lawsonia inermis which is known to be the most widely used anti-fertility agent. Healthy male and female rats were used in the experiment. The parameters determined includes; weight, Pre-implantation, mating ratio and Corpora lutea. The outcome of the study showed decreased body weight and loss of implantation sites the test group in comparisonwith the control group. There exists a significant relationship between the number of implantation sites and the doseresponse among the tested doses of henna extract and ethinyl estradiol. It was further established that there exists a significant difference in the number of Corpora lutea in all treated and control groups. Furthermore, there is also a significant difference in percentage preimplantation loss in all the test and control groups. The study concluded that henna plant extract has anti-fertility action and this finding explains why Lawsonia inermis is usedas antifertility agent in traditional medicine (Samagoroet al., 2012). Anti-inflammatory potential: Reports showed that crude ethanolic extract of henna produce a significant and dosedependent anti-inflammatory effect. The researcher; Gupta et al., assessed the anti-inflammation of two compounds that were isolated from stem, bark and root of hennain Wistar rats which is induced with oedema. The study followed that the constituents isoplumbaginlawsaritol and phenylbutazone given at a dosage 100 mg/kg per os(orally). The outcome pointed out that the compounds showed 61%, 60% and 40% inhibition when compared with the controls. The study concluded that isoplumbagin possess anti-inflammatory effect just like phenylbutazone (Gupta et al., 1993). In a separate report by a group of researchers, it was stated that both chloroform and butanol fractions of henna plant possess a more potent antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential when compared with both crude ethanol and aqueous extract (Alia et al., 1995). Analgesic and anti-pyretic potential: Analgesic and anti-pyretic properties are not very common in most plant but the crude ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis is known to produce significantanti-pyretic and analgesic action. Moshinet al., studied 25 plants commonly used in Arabian Peninsula for the treating pain related rheumatism and fever. It further assayed for both of their antipyretic and analgesic potential. Lawsonia inermis extract showed a significant effect regarding both antipyretic and analgesic action (Moshinet al. 1989). In a separate study the oil from seeds of Lawsonia inermis plant was screened in-vivo and in-vitro for their pharmacological activity.The study stated that the oil obtained from the seed of Lawsonia inermis possess significant analgesic properties (Bagi et al., 1988). Immunomodulatory potential: The immunomodulatory action of methanolic leaves extract of henna plant was studied by a group of researchers using bioassay-guided fractionation. Seven compounds were isolated of which they found three new compounds in the plant. The immunomodulatory properties of these compound were assayed by in vitro lymphocytic transformation, free radical scavenging and immunoassay. Results of the study showed that methanol extract ofhenna leaves plant at a concentration of 1mg/ml showed immunostimulatory activities by increasing the number of T-lymphocyte formation (Mikhaeil et al., 2004).Though, previous reports noted that naphthoquinone fraction obtained from leaves of henna planthave a significant immunostimulant activities (Dikshit et al., 2000). Tumoricidal potential: It is a common assertion that cancer is among the deadliest disease occurring in both human and animal. Lawsonia inermis has been reported to possess anti-cancer activities. This plantdestroys cancer cells by inducting cell apoptosis as a result of decrease in intracellular hydrogen ion or increase in intracellular hydrogen peroxide leading to excessive production of free radicals to cancerous cells.
Researchers conducted an experiment to ascertain the anti-tumor effect of hennaleaves in mice induced with tumor. The extract of Lawsonia inermis was dosed at 10mg/kg to tumor bearing-mice. The result showed increased in the percentage mean survival period of the tumor bearing mice. The total number cancerous cells reduced significantly. It further showed a reduction in glutathione levels in the test on comparing with the control. The study concluded that the extracts increase the pH levels and possibly may be responsible for the inhibition of tumor cell which is bio-transformed by henna plantextract (Zumrutdaet al., 2008;Ozaslanet al., 2009). Similar research conducted by Priya et al. (2011) on the anti-cancer efficacy of L. inermis extracts in the tumor induced mice. The outcome revealed an increased in mean life span and survival time of the mice. The result further showed that Lawsonia inermis possesses anticancer activities and can be used in the exploration of a novel drug for management and treatment of various tumors (Priya et al., 2011). In another experiment conducted by Endriniet al. (2002) chloroform fraction of henna plant was used for MTT (succinate dehydrogenase) based cytotoxic assay for its anti-tumor action. The extract was tested on both normal and cancerous cell lines of hepatic cell. The outcome of the study showed henna extract brings about a significant reduction in the cancer cells (Endriniet al., 2002). Memory and behavioral enhancing potential: In folk medical practices, many plants have been used to improve the neurotropic activities of local people. Iyeret al., (1998) conducted research to see the effect of different fractions of henna plantleaves on anxiety, behavior and memory which is mediated via monoamine (MOA) neurotransmitters. This effect was quantified with the use of increase passive shock, plus maze and avoidance paradigms. The result showed that the acetone and ether fraction of the extract exhibited dominant neurotropic effect. The study concluded that henna plantpossesses a stimulatory effect on behavior and memory which is mainly mediated via MOA neurotransmitters (Iyeret al., 1998).

Safety evaluation and acute toxicity of Lawsonia inermis
Reports on most toxicological studies as a result of using of phytomedicine or herbs as medicine are mostly associated with liver toxicity. Other major organs that showed signs of toxicity includes the heart and its vessels, kidney and nervous system. Toxic effects affecting pregnancy leading to mutagenicity and carcinogenicity are well common and have been reported in many journals warranting enormous biological experiments so as standardized the safety test before proceeding to the chemotherapeutic study of any plant. Many reports from the literature have confirm that henna plantshowed various pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective, analgesic antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant potential thereby showing that its safety and drug source (Yan et al., 2000). Mudi et al.(2011), embark on a study to test the lethal dose of the aqueous extract of henna plantin rats in order to confirm its safety and toxicity. Rats were administered different doses of the aqueous extract (0.3g/mL-1) at different volume doses intraperitoneally. The result showed various toxic signs such as dizziness among others. Abortion is observed in pregnant females especially in the groups treated with higher dosage but the groups treated lower dosage and the control remained active and healthy without showing toxic signs. The outcome further showed that there was no death recorded in all of the treated groups and delayed toxicity was noticed. They pointed out that intraperitoneal administration of henna may be used for abortion even though slightly toxic but it is considered generally safe for chemotherapeutic potential when used at normal dose (Mudi et al., 2011).
Another researcher Abdelgadir et al., 2010, reported that there was a significant toxicity in male rats dosed with seeds of henna plant at various dosages. The damage to the vital organs was evidence and exemplified by hemorrhages, congestion, fatty changes and necrosis of various vital organs especially at higher dosage. He pointed out that the extract was not toxic when given lower concentrations (Abdelgairet al., 2010).

Probable Side Effects of Lawsonia inermis
It was reported by Aguwa 1987, that the leaves of Lawsonia inermis has abortion tendency thus, henna should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.The widespread use of it as a dye has led to many individuals experiencing allergic reactions and these reactions can also be as a result of p-phenylenediamine used to obtain black color.Hypersensitivity to it can last a lifetime, and once individual have become sensitive or allergic to it, any use of synthetic coloring agents may become life threatening (Skenderi et al., 2003).

DISCUSSION
The world is now a global village and there has been a growing notion in substituting synthetic drugs with natural sources such as plant materials as the high incidence of global death rate estimated to be 90% is associated with synthetic drug toxicity. Another big problem facing the entire world is the issues of drug resistant by the pathogen against the modern synthetic drugs. Herbs are the direct replacement to conventional drugs with their synergistic effects for treating both infectious and metabolic diseases of human and animals.
Exploration of various literatures revealed that many parts of Lawsonia inermis possess wide spectrum of ethnopharmacological action and due to these great potentials,it can be used as a drug in phytomedicines. Various compounds or phytoconstituents are available in this multifunctional plant, thereby enabling it in the treatment of arrays diseases in different part of the body system.
Lawsonia inermis has industrial values where it can be employed as dyes, staining agent and anti-corrosive agent. It possesses medicinal activities which may be used as antibacterial, antiviral, antimycotic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, contraceptives, anthelminthic among others.
Judging by these various therapeutic activities of this important and miraculous plant; it deserves special attention and consideration by scientists, chemist, pharmacologist and other researchers in various fields in order to develop different drug from this underexploit plant.
A drug development programme should be undertaken to produce a unique and modern drug from constituent of Lawsonia inermis. Various reports have shown that crude extracts from leaves of Lawsonia inermis have ethno-medicinal applications from ancient time, there is need for modern drugs development following extensive investigation of its bioactivity, mechanism of action, pharmacotherapeutics and toxicity.
Conclusively, there should be further assessment in order to explore the hidden potentials of Lawsonia inermis and its therapeutic applications for both human and animal welfare. Multi-cultural Activity Book for Young Malaysians: Creative!