Antimicrobial textiles have gained much attention and popularity in the market and in day-today life during the last two decades. The textile industries continue to introduce different methods in their production to enhance the quality of their products and to satisfy their customers. Increased competition in the industry has lead to the development of different synthetic antimicrobial agents. Though these synthetic agents are used widely, they pose a threat to both the users and the environment. Taking into consideration these threatening issues, several environmental bodies have implemented rules in the use of synthetic agents. On the contrary, the natural antimicrobial agents which have less adverse effect on humans and are eco friendly, are gaining much attention. Several natural agents such as basil (active agent is eugenol), neem (active limnoids like azadirachtin, nimbinin), turmeric (curcumin), clove oil, chitosan, sercin, onion, aloevera and pomegranate have antimicrobial properties. This review paper highlights the different natural antimicrobial sources, their effect on public and the possibilities of using these agents in textiles to impart antimicrobial properties and to develop different products.

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The aim of the present study was to compare the phytochemical and radical scavenging activities in the stem and leaf fractions of two species in Amaranthaceae family Amaranthus tristis and Alternanthera sessilis. Total flavonoids and phenolics were estimated using aluminium chloride and Folin-Ciocalteau methods, respectively; radical scavenging activities of the extracts were determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Our results showed that A. sessilis had higher levels of flavonoids (70.42 mg/100 g) and phenolics (103.75 mg/100 g), when compared with A. tristis that had relatively lower levels of flavonoids (62.87 mg/100 g) and phenolics (96.89 mg/100 g) in leaf fractions. The stem and leaf fractions of A. sessilis showed more DPPH and FRAP values indicating the higher radical scavenging activity of the extract, when compared to A. tristis. It was also found that the flavonoids and phenolics content are directly proportional to the radical scavenging activities of both vegetables. The results concluded that A. sessilis have relatively more phytochemicals and radical scavenging activities and it also reveals that the leaf fraction has more flavonoid and phenolic content than the stem fractions in both vegetables. It is clear that both plants have definitely more antioxidant properties making it an ideal dietary antioxidant supplement.