Abstract

The use of natural dyes has in recent times gained the attention of scholars due to the assertion that they are ecofriendly, non - toxic, biodegradable and compatible with the environment as compared to synthetic dyes. As a result, this paper involved extracting dye from the bark of Parkia biglobosa which was used to dye cotton fabrics, either directly or alongside mordants and also applied on substrates. The extract imparted excellent and varied color shades on fabrics across the mordanting methods with potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) mordant displaying superiority of fixation over the rest mordants and post mordanting method producing good depth of shade with better fastness properties on substrates. The crude plant extract also imparted pinkish brown, light pink and ox – blood color on food, cosmetics and alcoholic drink respectively. Based on the findings of this research, this plant is recommended as suitable replacement for some synthetic dyes in that it is less allergic, non toxic, biodegradable and environmentally compatible.