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.

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Products containing Henna

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