Assessment of Phytochemical Properties and Antifungal Activity of Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Against Selected Fungi

The study assessed the phytochemical properties and antifungal activity of Lawsonia inermis (henna) extracts against selected fungi. Methanol extracts had the highest yield at 23.18%, and phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, triterpenes, and phenolic compounds. Ethanol extracts showed the highest antifungal activity with a 22 mm inhibition zone at 200 mg/mL against Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans, while aqueous extracts were most effective against Aspergillus niger with an 18 mm zone at 200 mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 25 mg/mL to >100 mg/mL, and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranged from 50 mg/mL to >100 mg/mL. Overall, L. inermis extracts demonstrated significant antifungal activity across different concentrations.