Evaluation of Macro and Micro Elements in Lawsonia inermis (Mehndi)

Thirty-five samples of different varieties of Henna (Mehndi) were analyzed for the detection of macro and micro elements and protein contents to assess their effect on hair. The concentration of micro elements, i.e., Zn, Mn, Cu, Co and Fe was found to be in the range of 0.002 to 0.033, 0.002 to 0.132, 0.001 to 0.01, 0.00012 - 0.0074 and 0.005 to 5.200 mg/g, respectively, whereas chromium was not detected in none of the samples analyzed. The concentration of the four macro elements studied, i.e., Ca, Mg, Na and K was found to be in the range of 0.219 - 39.273, 0.018-9.433, 0.40 - 10.0 and 0.095- 17.0 mg/g respectively. Percentage of protein in branded and unbranded samples was found to be in the range of 9 824 - 13.024%, and in black Henna.25.989 to 27.114 %, which are comparatively higher then other samples.