Exploring The Histological Staining Potential of Lawsonia Inermis: A Comparative Study of Natural and Synthetic Dyes for Elastic Fiber Visualization

This study investigates the efficacy of alcoholic extracts from Lawsonia inermis (Henna) leaves as a natural counterstain for elastic fibers in histopathological staining protocols, specifically comparing its performance to the conventional Verhoeff-Van Gieson method. Elastic fibers are critical components of the extracellular matrix, providing resilience and elasticity to various tissues. The study involved the extraction of henna dye and its application to tissue sections from guinea pigs, followed by histological analysis to assess staining quality. Results indicated that while henna extract exhibited some staining properties, it was less effective than the standard method, resulting in blurred images and inadequate differentiation of elastic fibers. These findings suggest that although henna has potential as a natural dye, further purification and optimization are necessary to enhance its staining capabilities. This research contributes to the growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes in histopathology, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in laboratory settings.