Evidence supporting the use of: Henna
For the health condition: Dandruff
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) has a longstanding history in traditional medicine, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, for hair and scalp care. Its use in treating dandruff is primarily based on traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. Henna has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which are believed to help manage dandruff, a condition often associated with fungal overgrowth (such as Malassezia species) and scalp irritation. Anecdotal and ethnobotanical reports suggest that henna can soothe the scalp, reduce flaking, and promote overall scalp health. However, scientific studies specifically evaluating henna’s efficacy for dandruff are limited and not rigorous. A few small studies and in vitro investigations have demonstrated some antifungal activity of henna extracts, but these findings have not been consistently replicated in clinical trials focused on dandruff management.
Overall, while the use of henna for dandruff is justified by tradition and supported by its general antimicrobial properties, the clinical evidence remains weak. Its application for dandruff persists mainly due to cultural practices and anecdotal experiences rather than strong scientific proof.
Other ingredients used for Dandruff
AjugaAloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
bee products
birch
bitter grass
borneol
cajuput
carrot
Chinese raisintree
chrysophanics
clove
coconut
coconut oil
commiphora
Eclipta
fang-feng
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
Hellebore
henna
Homalomena
Horsemint
labrador tea
Ledebouriella
Ligusticum
lodhtree
Lycopodium
marigold
melaleuca alternifolia
Menthol oil
Mesua
Mugwort
Mustard
mustard seed
Neem tree
oregano
pomegranate
ricinoleic acid
Sichuan Lovage
siler root
Spilanthes
spruce
Tea
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
thyme
turmeric
Viola
vitamin D
Winter Savory
Wintergreen
Wulinshen
Yuzu
zanthoxylum
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by henna
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Herpes
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching Ears
Leprosy
Lesions
Lice
Mastitis
Nose Bleeds
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
