Evidence supporting the use of: Henna
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, for a variety of skin ailments, including fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot. Traditional healers have often recommended henna paste for its perceived cooling, drying, and antimicrobial properties. The rationale stems from observations that henna application may help reduce skin irritation and limit the spread of superficial infections.

Scientific studies investigating henna’s antifungal properties are limited but do exist. Some in vitro research has demonstrated that extracts of henna leaves exhibit inhibitory effects against certain dermatophytes and Candida species, suggesting potential antifungal activity. The primary active compound, lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), is believed to play a role in this activity. However, much of this evidence is preliminary, with most studies limited to laboratory (not clinical) settings, and there is a significant lack of rigorous clinical trials evaluating henna’s effectiveness in treating fungal infections in humans.

In summary, while the use of henna for fungal infections is primarily justified by tradition and there is some low-level laboratory evidence to suggest antifungal properties, there is insufficient clinical evidence to strongly support its use for this purpose.

More about henna
More about Fungal Infections

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Allium tuberosum
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Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
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bee hive
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta-pinene
bisabolene
black nightshade
black walnut
borneol
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Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
camphor oil
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caryophyllene
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chalcone
chamomile
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citral
citronella
coconut oil
commiphora
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curry leaf
Dianthus
eucalyptus
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garlic
geranial
geraniol
geranium
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Gnaphalium
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green tea
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Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
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Labdanum
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lauric acid
Lebbek
lemongrass
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lichen
linalool
Litsea
liverwort
lodhtree
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Mahonia
mangostin
marigold
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melaleuca alternifolia
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Monolaurin
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Naphthoquinones
Neem tree
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
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oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pau d'arco
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phenolic compounds
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rosemary
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Products containing henna

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.