The return of natural dyes: the case of logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum L.)

ABSTRACT

In recent years, a worldwide reassessment of natural dyes has occurred, driven by the health and environmental issues associated with synthetic dyes. Haematoxylum campechianum L. is a tropical tree from which wood extracts were widely used in the textile industry during the 16^th century. The logwood tree extract serves as a contemporary source of hematoxylin, a key dye in the globally prevalent hematoxylin-eosin staining method, a cornerstone in histopathological procedures. This paper will initially explore the re-emergence of natural dyes. Subsequently, it will focus on the historical, conventional, and innovative applications of logwood in the fields of medicine, histopathology, and nanotechnology, along with the status and alternative uses of the hematoxylin-eosin stain. Lastly, this paper will examine the current state of conservation and utilization of Haematoxylum campechianum in Campeche, Mexico, a leading global producer of hematoxylin.

KEYWORDS:

• Hematoxylin
• Haematoxylum campechianum
• logwood
• natural dyes

Acknowledgements

We thank the support of Bernardo Courtade, Bendicht Hugli (Ecocharco SPR from RL), and Juan Carlos García (Planalto SPR from RL) for allowing us access and sampling of their logwood plantations in Palizada, Campeche, México. To Alexis Plasencia for his support in the field walks. To the Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Campeche for the financial support awarded to MACV and FAC.

Author contribution

FAC conceived the manuscript, MACV, EGH and FAC wrote the manuscript, JEMH, JLVA, JAE and ILR prepared figures and edited the manuscript. All the authors provided comments and approved the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.