Evaluation of Some Phytochemical Characteristics of Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) Populations under Jiroft Climate Condition

Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna), which belongs to the Lythraceae family, is widely recognized for its use in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and textile dyeing, primarily due to its rich bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts from 14 different Iranian populations of L. inermis cultivated in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with three replicates in Jiroft, Kerman province. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively, while the DPPH radical scavenging assay was conducted using a concentration range of 0.1 mmol/l DPPH in methanol. Calibration curves were prepared using a series of standard solutions of known antioxidant compounds, such as ascorbic acid, to determine the IC50 values of the henna extracts. The results demonstrated significant genotypic variations in all measured traits. The populations from Lamerd, BandarLenge, Borazjan 2, GhaleGhazi 1, and Ghaleganj exhibited the highest total phenolic contents, whereas GhaleGanj had the highest flavonoid content. The Lamerd population displayed the highest antioxidant activity with the lowest IC50 value. Cluster analysis grouped the populations based on their biochemical traits, reflecting the genetic and ecological influences on their phytochemical profiles. These findings highlight the potential for selecting superior henna populations to maximize the production of bioactive compounds, thereby enhancing their application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study provides a scientific foundation for optimizing henna cultivation and utilization strategies to improve product quality and therapeutic efficacy.

Evaluation of Some Phytochemical Characteristics of Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) Populations under Jiroft Climate Condition Keywords:

Bioactive compounds , DPPH assay , Genetic variability , Pharmaceutical applications , Phytochemical analysis