Lawsonin

Lawsonin is a name that has appeared in a small number of historical phytochemical reports to denote a compound isolated from Lawsonia species; however, the identity and characterization of Lawsonin are not well established.

Nomenclature and identity: There is no consensus on the chemical structure; no CAS registry; no widely accepted IUPAC name. Reports have varied, sometimes describing Lawsonin as a polyphenolic pigment or a flavonoid-like molecule, but such identifications have not been consistently replicated.

Occurrence and research: The genus Lawsonia is best known for Lawsonia inermis, used for henna; but there is no robust evidence documenting Lawsonin as a constituent. The term may reflect misidentifications with related compounds such as lawsone or other secondary metabolites.

Additional notes: Given the lack of reliable data, Lawsonin is usually treated as an ambiguous or historical term rather than a clearly defined chemical entity. Researchers encountering the term are advised to consult primary sources and verify structural data before drawing conclusions.