Tags: Chemical Compound, Chemical Substance.
Lawsone (2-hydroxy-14-naphthoquinone) also known as hennotannic acid is a red-orange dye present in the leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) as well as jewelweed (Impatiens balsamina). Humans have used henna extracts containing lawsone as hair and skin dyes for more than 5000 years. Lawsone reacts chemically with the protein known as keratin in skin and hair in a process known as Michael addition resulting in a strong permanent stain that lasts until the skin or hair is shed.
