| dc.description.abstract |
Most of the dyes used in the textile industry are of synthetic origin. Recently the use of natural
dyes in dyeing has regained interest due to environmental hazards associated with synthetic dyes. Therefore there
is need to introduce more natural dyes in order to satisfy the increasing demand. Euclea divinorum has been in
use as a source of traditional medicine for toothache, chest pain, constipation, cancer, pneumonia, and snake bite.
For many years the root and stem of E. divinorum has been used traditionally by different communities to color
the mouth and lips and as a dye but its potential as a source of natural dye for textile dyeing has not been exploited.
This study investigated the effect of different solvent extracts on the dyeing characteristics of dyestuffs from
Euclea divinorum plant on cotton fabric. Light, wash, and rub fastness of the dyed cotton were tested using fad-o-
meter, launder-o-meter, and crock-o-meter, respectively. Color coordinates, reflectance, and color strength were
determined using the reflectance spectrophotometer. The aqueous and methanolic extracts showed the highest
color strengths followed by ethyl acetate extract. The wash, light, and rub fastness values for aqueous and
methanolic extracts were between 4 and 5 which is above the acceptable levels of 3. Quantitative phytochemical
analysis indicated that methanolic extract had the highest content of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids compared
to the other solvent extracts |
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