The Potential Effect of Henna (Stone Dye) Extract Paraphenylenediamine on Human Blood Cells, Liver and Renal Function

Some of the dyes that are used for coloring hair and skin contain a chemical compound called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is potentially toxic. The study comprised 50 adult Sudanese women who were selected by stratified random sampling and working as henna artist. Urine samples were taken for detection of PPD while blood samples were taken for investigating kidney and liver functions by measuring its relevant hematological indices. In other hand Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to detection of PPD in black henna (stone dye) samples and urine. The PPD was detected in the urine of all women who used the black henna its concentration varied according to duration of exposure being significantly higher in those with >10 years of exposure (p≤0.01). Similarly significant changes in liver function, kidney function and hematological indices were found in the group of women who used natural henna. This study concluded that natural henna is safe to use, while Black dye is potentially hazardous. It contains the high concentration of PPD, is the one most commonly associated with adverse effects.