Phytochemical analysis and Antibacterial Activities of Henna Leaf (lawsonia inermis) against salmonella typhyi and Escherichia coli

The species Henna (Lawsonia inermis) L. is native to the African continent, being found mainly in the savannas of Sub-Saharan Africa at low altitudes, with 4 to 10 months of drought per year. All parts of the plant have a long history of ethnomedicinal use worldwide. This study was aimed at assessing the phytochemical and antibacterial activity of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract on Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli . The results of the phytochemical screening of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves aqueous and ethanolic extracts shows the presence of flavonoids and saponins and the absence of alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids. Ethanolic extracts of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves were significantly more effective than aqueous extract against Escherichia coli with zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 16.0 ± 1.5 to 23.0 ± 0.7 and 11.0 ± 1.1 to 20.0 ± 0.2 respectively. Similarly, Ethanolic extracts of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves were significantly more effective than aqueous extract against Salmonella typhi with zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 17.5 ± 1.0 to 22.0 ± 1.0 and 16.5 ± 1.0 to 20.0 ± 1.0 respectively. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves had a MIC of 250 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and MIC of 250 mg/ml and 125 mg/ml respectively against Salmonella typhi. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves had MBC of 500 mg/ml and 250 mg/ml respectively against Escherichia coli and MBC of 250 mg/ml against Salmonella typhi . This study affirms that aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts Henna (Lawsonia inermis) has significant antibacterial activity on the test organisms, hence the therapeutic potential of the plant in the treatment and management of infectious and non-infectious diseases.