Evaluation of Anti-Bacterial Properties of Palmyra Palm Fiber with Different Natural Dyes

Abstract

Asian Palmyrah Palm (Borassus flabellifer L) which grows widely in dry arid land is a multipurpose, economically important tree widely distributed in Indian sub-continent and South Asia. The tree has multiple uses and servs various climatic conditions and withstand Natural calamities. The tree has edible, non-edible and value-added uses linked with livelihood. The tree has a long juvenile phase of 12 – 20 years to initiate flowering which is an unbranched stout and can grow 25 – 30 meters in height with trunk diameter of 1 mt at base. Fruits which fall down have limited commercial usage. This research focuses on the use of fiber extracted from fruits, analyzing the anti-bacterial properties of raw fiber, which is naturally tan and brown in color. Palmyra Palm fiber is 53% cellulose and dyed with different natural dyes, the anti-bacterial properties are evaluated.