PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF LAWSONIA INERMIS LINN.: A REVIEW

Abstract

Lawsonia inermis L. is a much branched glabrous shrub or small tree (2-6 m in height), cultivated for its leaves although stem bark, roots, flowers and seeds have also been used in traditional medicine. The plant is reported to contain Lawsone, Esculetin, Fraxetin, Isoplumbagin, Scopoletin, Betulin, Betulinic acid, Hennadiol, Lupeol, Lacoumarin, Laxanthone, Flavone glycosides, Two pentacytic triterpenes. The plant has been reported to have analgesic, hypoglycemic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, nootropic, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antitrypanosomal, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antifertility, tuberculostatic and anticancer properties. It is now considered a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. This review gives a view mainly on the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of the plant.