Kamala Natural Dye

Kamala, Kameela, Kamcela, Spoonwood, Rottlera, Tinctoria all are synonyms of Mallotus philippensis, is a powder form of its fruit.  It is a medicinal tree due to the presence of various phytochemicals. The leaves contain an alkaloid. The glands and hairs covering the fruit give rottlerin, mallotoxin and kamalin. The bark has astringent action due to the presence of tannin and applied as a poultices on cutaneous diseases. The colouring components of Kamala comprises of several of several chalcones. They are rottlerin, 4-hydroxy rottlerin,3, 4-dihydroxy rottlerin.

Kamala powder exhibits several pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antimicrobial activity. It is a powdery substance obtained from its fruit. Tree is also known as the monkey tree and found throughout tropical India.

Colour obtained on cellulose  fabrics is ranges from golden yellow to apricot shade, while brighter shades are achieved on silk and wool. Different shade can be created with the use of iron mordant.