The use of Malay cultural ethnobotany as natural colourants in eco-friendly dyeing G

• Main Authors: Jamaludin, Nur Atiqah, Ramya, Razanah, Othman, Rashidi, Mohd Hatta, Farah Ayuni
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: Institut Alam dan Tamadun Melayu (ATMA), UKM 2023
• Subjects: BPH114.3 Halal industry science; PL5101 Malay; SB Plant culture; TP248.13 Biotechnology; TP890 Textile dyeing and printing; TP934 Paints, pigments, varnishes, etc
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/106210/12/106210_The%20use%20of%20Malay%20Cultural%20Ethnobotany%20as%20Natural.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/106210/1/EHMAP%20II%20PAPER.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/106210/

Since ancient times, natural dyes have been used for the colouration of food products, cosmetics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The current ‘back to nature’ trend has served to raise the value and popularity of natural-plant-based dyes. The benefits that come with the use of natural and organic products include that they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and safe to use. The health and environmental benefits as well as practicality of natural dyes render them significantly more advantageous than synthetic colourants. In the food industry, natural colourants are used to enhance the appearance of products, provide consistent colour, and replace synthetic colourants, which may have adverse health effects. In terms of the cosmetics industry, in order to avoid the harmful effects of harsh chemicals associated with synthetic colourants, natural colourants are preferred for the creation of shades of makeup, hair dyes, and personal care products. Natural colourants are used in the pharmaceutical industry to colour medications so that they are more easily identified and differentiated. In the context of the textile industry, natural colourants are used for the creation of environmentally friendly clothing dyes. This paper explores the various plant-based pigments that the Malay community uses as natural dye colourants. Annatto (Bixa orellana), henna (Lawsonia enermis), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), betel nut (Areca catechu), red pitaya (Hylocereus polyhizus), mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia), butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), and sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) are some of the many plants from which natural colourants can be derived. Generally, the choice of natural colourants over synthetic colourants contributes towards the well-being of the environment and human health.