Question

A red or orange dye used in dyeing silks is obtained from the pulp that surrounds the seeds of …………………….
A) Semecarpus anacardium
B) Emblica officinalis
C) Bira orellana
D) Aegle marmelos

Answer 1

Semecarpus anacardium is also known as marking nut and varnish tree. It is a medicinal plant and has antiatherogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is used for various medicinal and industrial purposes.

Complete answer:
● The pulp that surrounds the seeds of Semecarpus anacardium is used to make red or orange dye which is used in dyeing silks.
● It is water-insoluble and gives Lustre and shine to the silk. The nut is black, roughly cone-shaped, and has a thick pericarp.
● Emblica Officinalis is used in the preparation of herbal products and various medicinal, food, and cosmetic industries because of its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties.
● It is commonly known as amla. It is a rich source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
● Bixa Orellana improves healing and is used in bronchitis.
● It has fibrogenic properties and is used in various wound medications.
● It also has aphrodisiac, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, and is also used as an insect repellent.
● Aegle marmelos is used in eye lotion form for various ocular contiguous infections and inflammations like ophthalmalgia and conjunctivitis.
So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Semecarpus anacardium is found in the outer Himalayas and Andhra Pradesh, it is used traditionally for ages in India for medicinal purposes and industrial dyeing. It is called a marking nut because it was used by Europeans washermen as marking ink on clothes (as it is water-insoluble)before washing. The contained ink is brown in color and oily. The active principles of marking Nut are Semecarpol and bhilawanol.