Antibacterial activity of Henna extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa

Henna is a small shrub known for healing attributes. In this study we evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Henna extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa by detecting the lowest concentration that inhibits the growth of the microorganism. The antimicrobial activities of Henna extracts were determined against twenty five isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and 25 isolates of Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Primarily the antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined using agar dilution assay, as recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standard (NCCLS). The results demonstrate a wide range of activities of the different extracts against the bacteria tested. MIC50 for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa in watery extract was 2.5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml and in ethanolic extract was 3 mg/ml and 3.5 mg/ml respectively. These findings support the use of Henna in the treatment of skin and wound infection. Also Henna appears to be a promising agent for prophylaxis against skin disease.