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.
