Evaluation and Comparison of the Antioxidant Effect of Different Landraces of Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) Using the Lipid Peroxidation Method

Introduction: Henna (Lawsonia inermis) has various properties, including antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anticancer effects. Considering the different henna landraces in Iran, this study aimed to investigate and compare the antioxidant effects of henna landraces (and their fractions) from Shahdad, Rudbar-e-Jonub, Salmaniyeh, Dalgan, Kohnuj, Jiroft, Ghale Ganj, and Ordougah using the lipid peroxidation method. Methods: Henna was extracted by the percolation method, and different concentrations of the henna extract were prepared. Total phenols, tannins, and saponins were measured in the different landraces and fractions. We used the lipid peroxidation method to assess antioxidant activity. Result: Dalgan showed the highest total phenol content, at 190.04 µg/mL of extract. The saponin content in Dalgan was 5.2 ± 0.02 μg/mL, and the tannin content in Salmaniyeh was 6.3 µg/mL. Discussion and conclusion: The total phenol and saponin contents in Dalgan, as well as the tannin content in Salmaniyeh, were higher than those in the other landraces. The lipid peroxidation assay showed that Dalgan had the lowest absorbance at 532 nm. Based on this test, Dalgan had the highest antioxidant effect, whereas Jiroft had the lowest.