eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2016-05-05 8 2 447 454 9260 article J. O. Otutu 1 M. K. Yakubu 2 Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B 1, Abraka (Nigeria). Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (Nigeria). Colours from naturally dyed fabrics recently have attracted both consumers and manufacturers attention in fashion fabrics. The extraction, characterization and application of natural dyes from water opepe (Nuclea diderricchi) and water ekimi (Vanilya planofolia) are reported. The dye extracts were applied as direct dyes and in the presence of mordants. The results of the wash fastness showed that the dye extracts have affinity for cotton, acrylic and nylon fibres used for the study, even in the absence of mordants. The presence of mordants, also further improved their fastness properties. The dye extracts were characterized by IR, UV-VIS and NMR analyses. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol8no2/extraction-characterization-and-application-of-natural-dyes-from-water-opepe-nuclea-diderricchi-and-water-ekimi-vanilya-planofolia-on-natural-and-synthetic-fibres/ Natural dyes; Textile dyeing; Mordanting; Natural and synthetic fibres; Fastness