Dyes, Natural

Abstract

From the earliest times humans admired the beautiful natural colors of plants and minerals and sought to enhance human appearance by color. Ancient peoples used these dyes in cosmetics,food, and as medicine. The greatest use of natural dyes occurred when the art of weaving was developed. A few synthetic dyes were manufactured before 1856, but the big break through in synthetic dye manufacture came from Perkin who developed the synthesis for the dye Mauve. Synthetic dyes replaced natural dyes, but natural dyes are making a comeback. Hand dyeing is popular and there is an ever increasing demand for natural dyes as food colorings. This article discusses those natural dyes formerly manufactured. Basic categores include anthraquinones; napthoquinone dyes; indigoid dyes, and the natural food colors.The use of biogenic sources for color is a common practice, and for the most part, these do not produce adverse reactions. However, a few biogenic substances have been linked to allergic type reactions. Literature makes reference to carmine and annatto. Regulations of natural dyes are not numerous, but are discussed here.