Comprehensive analysis of nutritional composition, mineral content, antimicrobial activity, and theoretical evaluation of phytochemicals in henna (lawsonia inermis) from the Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a versatile that has been highly regarded for centuries due to its cultural and medicinal significance. Henna boasts a rich array of phytochemicals, each contributing to its numerous therapeutic benefits. This study provided a comprehensive assessment of the henna plant and aimed to explore the potential of phytochemicals as candidates for drug development through various analyses including nutritional and mineral composition, antimicrobial activity, docking analysis, and theoretical ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity), toxicity, and druglikeness evaluation. The 2 plants Samples collected from 2 different locations in Fujairah emirate exhibited significant amount of Potassium, Magnesium, and calcium, making them a valuable source of essential minerals. The nutritional and mineral content of the sample was measured using international standard methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists; AOAC 2001.11, AOAC 920.39, AOAC 962.29, and AOAC 942.05). Antimicrobial assessment done by disc diffusion method revealed potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition of 30-32 mm and 15-20 mm, respectively, Similarly, it shows antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans with inhibition of 9-10 mm and 11-12 mm, respectively. Docking analysis provided insights into the interactions between henna phytochemicals and AcuA protein which elucidate the higher interactions of Agrimonolide-6-O-glucopyranoside with binding pocket and surrounding residues with highest binding energy. Similarly, theoretical ADMET, toxicity, and drug likeness analysis highlighted Agrimonolide-6-O-glucopyranoside as a promising compound for drug development as well. These findings hold promise for henna plant and Agrimonolide-6-O- glucopyranoside’s potential use as a natural alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents. However, additional studies are needed to assess the safety, efficacy, and potential mechanisms of action of these phytochemicals in the henna plant extract.