Evaluation of Rheum Palmatum Rhizomes Available in Jordanian Markets and Investigation of Its Potential Use as Hair Dye Cosmetics

Abstract

Context: Dyeing hair with natural components derived from plant material is a common practice since ancient time. Variable colour shadows obtained from different plant extracts. The folkloric practices need optimization to find alternatives for the chemical dyes, which carry loads of health hazards. For decades, people use Rhubarb roots extract in treating chronic constipation and other minor health disorders. The pharmacological effects refer to their active constituents; anthraquinone glycosides. Hair dyeing properties of Rhubarb roots extracts need further scientific investigations. Aims: To evaluate the hair-dyeing properties of rhubarb's aqueous extract as an eco-friendly alternative to the commercially available hair dyes and to measure the fastness of the produced colour in different conditions. Methods: Identification of the plant material was done according to international specifications. Wool pieces dyed by aqueous extracts of rhubarb's roots and rhizomes under different conditions. Variables that might be affecting the dyeing process such as concentration, pH, using colour mordant, swelling agent, and dyeing time were studied. Spectroscopic methods used to record colourfastness measurements. Results and Conclusion: The extract of rhubarb roots and rhizomes show good dyeing properties. The obtained colours were pale yellow, intense yellow and pink. Colour fastness is enhanced and optimized using 2 mg/ml concentration, 2 h dyeing time, acidic pH, adding mordant and pretreating the fibres with a swelling agent.