Extracts from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (gromwell) have been used for many centuries as a natural red dye and crude drugs with excellent performance for wound healing. In particular, shikonin a major constituent of the gromwell colorant is reported to possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor activities, etc. Therefore, we tried to manufacture antimicrobial and antioxidant cotton fabrics for biocompatible clothing materials using the natural stuff and environmentally friendly process. In this study, cotton fabrics were dyed with the colorant extracted from the root of gromwell, and their properties were closely investigated. Consequently, we discovered that the cotton fabrics dyed with the extracts from the root of gromwell showed excellent antioxidant performance as well as antibacterial ability. Also, the functionalities and color fastness were improved by gallnut mordanting and cationization of the cotton fabrics.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.