Screening of Ornamental Flower Extracts as Natural Staining Agents

This study aimed to provide additional information using natural dyes as a substitute for synthetic dyes in the viewing of plant and animal cells. It utilized the quantitative descriptive experimental research design using standard laboratory procedures.  An experimental method was used in the study: it started with collecting flowers, then extract preparation using mechanical extraction, plant cell preparation, animal cell preparation, and staining the specimen for microscopic observation. Basically, there were five (5) treatments, each treatment had 3 replications.  The result of the study showed that Begonia x hybrida and Mirabilis jalapa can stain the nucleus, cell wall, and cytoplasm of the plant cell when viewed under 100x and 400x magnification.  While in Thunbergia erecta, the parts of the plant cell cannot be distinctly seen. In contrast, none of the extracts successfully stained animal cells, suggesting their limited application in animal histology. Compared to synthetic dyes, which pose health and environmental risks, natural dyes offer an eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative. However, their selective staining ability emphasizes their potential use in plant histology rather than animal tissue staining. Further research is needed to enhance their staining efficiency and expand their applications in microscopy.