henna

Henna is a botanical extract derived from the leaves of the *Lawsonia inermis* plant. While traditionally used as a cosmetic dye for skin and hair, it is being investigated in clinical oncology as a topical supportive care intervention for hand-foot skin syndrome (HFSS), also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). This condition is a common dose-limiting toxicity associated with chemotherapy agents such as capecitabine and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. Henna's therapeutic potential is attributed to its active constituent, lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), which exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. Clinical studies evaluate the application of henna paste to the palms and soles to reduce the severity of erythema, pain, and skin peeling.

Brand names

Lawsonia Inermis Henna Mehnadi Powder

Other names

Lawsonia inermisMehandiHina