Natural dyes inhibit bacterial growth

MANILA, Philippines – Researchers from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) have discovered the anti-microbial properties of natural dyes.

PTRI researchers Julius Leaño Jr., Jenice Malabanan, Jeannie Lynn Cabansag, Rudy Fenoy, and Cristina Andrade said cotton fabrics when dyed with extracts of mayana leaves, mahogany bark, young coconut husks, talisay leaves, turmeric rhizomes, annatto seeds, tamarind bark and indigo leaves inhibit bacterial growth.

“Quantitative test of the fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that could cause abscess and boils and could infect the nose and skin, resulted in 69 to 99 percent reduction in said bacteria,” the researchers said.

“This means that naturally dyed fabrics could inhibit bacterial growth or destroy bacteria altogether,” they said.

The researchers said the fabrics were washed thoroughly and air-dried before evaluating using the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Test Method 100-2004 or the Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials to determine the naturally dyed fabrics’ activity against staphylococcus and AATCC Test Method 147-2004 or the Parallel Streak Method for Klebsiela pneumoniae.

In a related development, PTRI director Carlos Tomboc pushed for the review of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9242 or the Act Prescribing the Use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics for Uniforms of Public Officials and Employees and for Other Purposes.

“The law is up for review in Congress,” Tomboc told reporters. “Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones said he would push for the review of the law.”

Tomboc said the law has not been fully implemented by government agencies and that the IRR has not indicated the penalties for violators.

Tomboc also said the local textile industry has been losing its revenues to ukay-ukay and imported textiles in the last several years.

“We are importing about P2 billion worth of textile, mostly synthetic, ever year,” he said.

Tomboc said the price of the imported textile — mostly from China — costs around P5 to P10 lower than local fabrics.

He said textile mills in the country have gone down from 56 to six now.

Tomboc said the textile industry provides jobs to some 500,000 Filipinos.