Demonstration of the antifungal activity of Lawsoniainermis(henna) on dermatophytes and yeasts of medical interest

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Published Oct 11, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i09.6378
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Vol. 104 No. 09 (2026): Tunis Med Sept 2026

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Ismail Faiz
Laboratory of Mycology/Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Oujda, Hay AL Hikma BP Box 4867, Laboratory of Mycology/Parasitology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, BP 4806 Oujda University, 60049 Oujda, Morocco
Aziza Hami
Laboratory of Mycology/Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Oujda, Hay AL Hikma BP Box 4867, Laboratory of Mycology/Parasitology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, BP 4806 Oujda University, 60049 Oujda, Morocco

Abstract

Lawsonia inermis (henna) is an ancestral plant long used by women in cosmetics, but it was also used as a topical treatment for some onychopathies and ringworm of the scalp. This led us to investigate in vitro the antifungal activity of this plant on the main fungi responsible for these conditions (dermatophytes and yeasts).
The objective of our study was to confirm or refute the antifungal effect of Lawsonia inermis on dermatophytes and yeasts. This is a prospective study including mycological samples from our laboratory with isolated species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Trichophyton rubrum),
which were inoculated on petri dishes with sterilized henna paste. The yeasts were insensitive to the henna paste, as evidenced by their growth on the paste itself. The isolated Trichophyton rubrum strains were sensitive to henna paste (with inhibition diameters ranging from 25 mm to 40
mm); however, some Trichophyton rubrum cultures were contaminated with molds (Penicillium spp). This involuntary contamination allowed us to identify the sensitivity profile of this mold to henna, revealing complete insensitivity. Henna did not show activity on the studied yeasts or isolated
mold; however, it would probably be effective against the Trichophyton rubrum, which is responsible for most onychomycosis and intertrigo.
Therefore, the traditional use of henna in these cases could be partly justified by our study. Thus, any mycological sampling should not be done on a Lawsonian pigmentation in order not to distort the final result.

Keywords:

Lawsonia inermis, henna, antifungal activity, onychopathies, dermatophytes, yeasts

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