Antimicrobial Properties of Herbal Dyes of Indian Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Antimicrobial properties are gaining popularity and getting more attention in the textile industry. Also, the demand for antimicrobial products has increased significantly in the market because consumers are demanding fresh and clean clothes. Various chemical agents are used in industries to give an antimicrobial finish to textiles. These chemicals are long-lasting and highly effective against various bacteria, microbes and fungi, but those chemicals are harmful to the environment. Therefore, much of the research has been conducted on medicinal plant-based antimicrobial agents. Natural antimicrobial compounds have less harmful impacts on living beings and are also more environmentally friendly. Various medicinal plants that contain antimicrobial compounds are present and these plants are used as home medicines for various diseases. Such plants are neem (Azadirachta indica), basil (Ocimum basilicum), pomegranate (Punica granatum), Arjun tree (Terminalia arjuna), sage plant (Salvia officinalis) etc. This study is conducted systematically by considering only evergreen herbal medicinal plants of the Indian subcontinent. Medicinal plants were utilized to impart antimicrobial properties to textiles and to develop various products.