COMPARISON OF DYEING ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT AND BUTANOLIC FRACTION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF FRUITS OF GARCINIA INDICA CHOISY

Natural dyes from plants have been given much attention in recent years due to the threat and harmful effects arisen by synthetic dyes and environmental awareness created by researchers. Natural dyes are environmental friendly, hygienic, user friendly and permanent compared to other colorants. Recently, research has shown that synthetic dyes release harmful chemicals that are allergic, carcinogenic and detrimental to human health. The present study was focused on extraction and fractionation of anthocyanins from fruits of Garcinia indica Choisy. Garcinia indica Choisy (kokum) is widely distributed in coastal India. The fruit is mainly found during the summer months. It is a tropical fruit and can be viewed as a wonder berry that has a pleasant odour, tangy-sweet taste and many health benefits. It is used to treat many diseases. The dried fruits powder of Garcinia indica was subjected to the extraction of anthocyanins by maceration and fractionated with n-butanol. Total anthocyanin content was calculated from the extract. The aqueous extract and butanolic fraction of ethanolic extract of fruits of Garcinia indica were evaluated as a natural colorant on fabrics and compared with each other. The present study showed the n-butanol fraction of ethanolic extract of fruits of Garcinia indica to have more color intensity than the aqueous extract on silk material. So, anthocyanins from Garcinia indica fruits can be used as a natural dye.