ALCANNA, in commerce, a powder prepared from the leaves of the Egyptian privet, in which the people of Cairo drive a considerable trade. It is much used by the Turkish women, to give a golden colour to their
their nails and hair. In dying, it gives a yellow colour, when steeped with common water; and a red one, when infused in vinegar. There is also an oil extracted from the berries of alcanna, and used in medicine as a calmer.