Evaluation of UV-Absorbing Capacity, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Natural Dyes Used in Indonesian Traditional Batik

Abstract

Batik has been part of Indonesian culture, where natural dyes are applied in textile production. The current study aimed to evaluate the health benefits of commonly used natural dyes of Batik; Secang (Caesalpinia sappan L.), Telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) and Putri malu (Mimosa pudica L.) based on their UV absorbing properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. UV absorbing properties was evaluated based on UV spectral data analysis. Antioxidant capacity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the antibacterial activity was evaluated against against Staphylococcus aureus using the disc diffusion assay. Secang was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify potentially bioactive compounds. The UV spectral data analysis indicated that Secang dye absorbs dangerous UV-B radiation at 280 - 315 nm and possesses the highest antioxidant activities with an IC50 value of 10.76 µg/mL. In addition, Secang dye exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone diameter of 19.45 ± 1.05 mm at a concentration of 30 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds in Secang, in which several common antibacterial active compounds, including glycol congener pentaethylene glycol, pyridine, and naphthalene were present. In summary, natural Batik dyes are highly valued not only for their artistic value, but also for their potential health benefits.