Heartwood Extractives Research Articles

Correction to: Toxicity and repellent effects of wood extractives of five Malaysian wood species on Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann

Antitermitic potential of heartwood extractives of five Malaysian wood species against the subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi was investigated in laboratory experiments. Heartwood extractives of the wood species, Cinnamomum sp., Canarium littorale Blume, Cynometra malaccensis Meeuwen, Eugenia griffithii Duthie and Scorodocarpus borneensis (Baill.) Becc. were removed from wood sawdust using the four solvents, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), acetone and toluene:industrial methylated spirit (Tol:IMS). Extraction was done using a Soxhlet extractor. Two different tests, toxicity and repellency, were conducted on filter paper treated with different concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4%) of each wood extract to observe the repellents, feeding response and mortality of termites. No-choice bioassay using Hevea brasiliensis test blocks treated with the same concentrations of each wood extract was also carried out to compare the results with the termiticidal activity of extractives. Termite feeding, repellents, and mortality followed a concentration-dependent response. The highest termite mortality occurred at an extractive concentration of 4% of each wood species. Extractive of each wood species prepared using MeOH showed higher termite mortality, feeding inhibition and lower filter paper consumption when treated with 4% of concentration. Extractive of C. littorale prepared using EtOH as a solvent was least toxic to termite. Acetone extractive of S. borneensis showed significantly higher repellent activity against C. gestroi at 2, 3 and 4% of concentrations compared to the rest of treatments. Further characterization of the extractive content is needed to find out which compounds are responsible for termiticidal and antifeedant activity, either singly or jointly.

Improving Fungal Decay Resistance of Less Durable Sapwood by Impregnation with Scots Pine Knotwood and Black Locust Heartwood Hydrophilic Extractives with Antifungal or Antioxidant Properties

Research Highlights: The antifungal assay confirmed that knotwood extractives of Scots pine inhibit the growth of wood decay fungi. Heartwood extracts of black locust were found to be much stronger free radical scavengers than the extracts of Scots pine. The extracts were deposited in the lumina and on the wall surface of cells in the impregnated sapwood. Impregnation of the sapwood blocks with Scots pine and black locust extracts reduced the fungal decay of wood. Objectives: Hydrophilic extracts of Scots pine knotwood and black locust heartwood were chemically analyzed, tested for antifungal and antioxidant properties and used for impregnation of beech and Scots pine sapwood. Materials and Methods: Scots pine knotwood and black locust heartwood were extracted, and obtained hydrophilic extractives were chemically analyzed. Extracts were analyzed for antifungal properties with the in vitro well-diffusion method. The free radical scavenging activity of wood extracts was measured colorimetrically. The retention of the extracts in the impregnated sapwood blocks was evaluated with microscopy and gravimetry. A decay test was performed with the mini block test. Results: Almost half of both Scots pine knotwood and black locust heartwood hydrophilic extracts obtained were described by phenolic compounds. The extracts were deposited in the lumina of cells and on the cell wall surface. Extractives of Scots pine knotwood had good inhibitory properties against white- and brown-rot fungi. On the other hand, extractives of black locust heartwood were found to be good radical scavengers, better than knotwood extractives of Scots pine. The extracts of Scots pine knotwood and black locust reduced the fungal decay of the tested sapwood blocks. Conclusions: The results of this research show that the less-valued knotwood of Scots pine and heartwood of black locust are a potential source of antifungal and antioxidant agents for bio-based wood preservatives.

Tectonaquinones A, B and C: three new naphthoquinone derivatives from the heartwood of Tectona grandis

Chemical investigation of the chloroform extract of heartwood of Tectona grandis L. f. led to the isolation of three new naphthoquinone derivatives, tectonaquinones A (1), B (2) and C (3), along with six known compounds: barleriaquinone-I (4), tectoquinone (5), tecomaquinone I (6), lapachol (7), obtusifolin (8) and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl anthraquinone (9). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2 D NMR experiments. Tectonaquinone B is the first natural compound that has a hexa-cyclic dinaphthofuran-dione scaffold. Tectonaquinone C has a bicyclic acetal motif that is unusual in nature.

Optimization of <i>Maclura cochinchinensis</i> Extract as a Cosmeceutical Component for Antioxidant and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities

Maclura cochinchinensis Corner or Kae Lae in Thai belongs to the Moraceae family. The plant is found in Southeast Asian countries and used in traditional medicine as a tonic agent to treat chronic fever and skin infections. Previous studies have demonstrated that plants in Moraceae family, such as Morus alba and Artocarpus lakoocha are rich source of antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase agents. Thus, the current study aimed at comparing different solvent extracts (50% ethanol, 80% ethanol, methanol by ultrasound and water decoction) of M. cochinchinensis heartwood for their antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Total phenolic content, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and anti-lipid peroxidation assays were performed to compare the antioxidant activity, whereas, Dopachrome method was performed for anti-tyrosinase activity. The results demonstrated that 80% ethanol and methanol extracts had better antioxidant activities based on EC50 value of DPPH (9.96±0.21 and 9.50±0.46 μg/mL, respectively), ABTS (6.54±0.13 and 6.58±0.69 μg/mL, respectively), anti-lipid peroxidation (228.31±2.03 and 231.43±1.41 μg/mL, respectively), and anti-tyrosinase (7.60±0.29 and 7.91±0.41 μg/mL, respectively) assays. Further, 80% ethanol extract was selected to evaluate the bioactive compound using bioactivity-guided isolation. Oxyresveratrol identified as bioactive compound, exhibited higher activities than the positive controls (quercetin and kojic acid). In conclusion, 80% ethanolic M. cochinchinensis heartwood extract obtained using the ultrasound technique exhibited strong antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects and can be used as a potential active ingredient for cosmeceutical products. Oxyresveratrol could be used as bioactive marker for quality control of the extract and products.

Chewable Tablets of Acacia catechu Extract, an Alternative to Betel (Paan) for Mouth Ulcers: Formulation and In vitro Evaluation.

The objective of the current research work was to prepare chewable tablets having Acacia catechu extract useful for mouth ulcers using a 32 factorial design. Acacia catechu heartwood extract was prepared using a reported method with some modifications. The extract was characterized using TLC against the catechin marker. Then, drug-excipient interaction studies were carried out. The mixture of drug and excipients was evaluated for pre-compression parameters. With the application of 32 factorial design, chewable tablets were prepared using direct compression technique. Prepared tablets were evaluated for post-compression parameters. In vitro drug release study of the developed formulations was investigated both in intact and crushed form of tablets. Based on the in vitro performance, the best formulations were selected (F6, F7 & F8 from intact and F1, F5 & F9 from the crushed group) and subjected to various kinetic models and evaluated for Chewing Difficulty Index (CDI). The overall results revealed that the formulated chewable tablets complied with the standards and exhibited the satisfactory performance in terms of drug release, chewing difficulty index and other related parameters.

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. heartwood extract synthesized chitosan nanoparticles and its biomedical applications

BackgroundThe point of the present investigation was to blend effective chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with Pterocarpus marsupium (PM) heartwood extract and evaluate its biomedical applications. Various plant extract concentrations (PM-CNPs-1, PM-CNPs-2, PM-CNPs-3) are used to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles and optimized to acquire a stable nanoparticle formulation. The entrapment efficiency and in vitro release studies of the plant extract encapsulated in CNPs are estimated. The PM-loaded CNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesized chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated for their alpha-amylase inhibitory activity and inhibition of albumin denaturation activity. ResultsThe XRD pattern of PM-CNPs shows less number of peaks at low intensity due to the interaction of chitosan with sodium tripolyphosphate. The FT-IR spectrum with peaks at 1639.55 and 1149.02 cm−1 confirms the formation of chitosan nanoparticles. The size of the nanoparticles ranges between 100 and 110 nm with spherical shape illustrated by SEM and TEM analysis. The nanoparticle formulation with 10% plant extract concentration (PM-CNPs-2) showed optimum particle size, higher stability, enhanced entrapment efficiency, and sustained drug release characteristics. Synthesized chitosan nanoparticles have shown a significant increase in alpha-amylase inhibition and appreciable anti-inflammatory activity as measured by inhibition of protein denaturation. ConclusionsThe investigation reports the eco-friendly, cost-effective method for synthesizing chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Pterocarpus marsupium Rox.b heartwood extract.

Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Extractives in Norway Spruce and Kurile Larch and Their Role in Brown-Rot Degradation.

Extractives found in the heartwood of a moderately durable conifer (Larix gmelinii var. japonica) were compared with those found in a non-durable one (Picea abies). We identified and quantified heartwood extractives by extraction with solvents of different polarities and gas chromatography with mass spectral detection (GC-MS). Among the extracted compounds, there was a much higher amount of hydrophilic phenolics in larch (flavonoids) than in spruce (lignans). Both species had similar resin acid and fatty acid contents. The hydrophobic resin components are considered fungitoxic and the more hydrophilic components are known for their antioxidant activity. To ascertain the importance of the different classes of extractives, samples were partially extracted prior to subjection to the brown-rot fungus Rhodonia placenta for 2–8 weeks. Results indicated that the most important (but rather inefficient) defense in spruce came from the fungitoxic resin, while large amounts of flavonoids played a key role in larch defense. Possible moisture exclusion effects of larch extractives were quantified via the equilibrium moisture content of partially extracted samples, but were found to be too small to play any significant role in the defense against incipient brow-rot attack.

Identification of three Diospysros species using FT-IR and 2DCOS-IR

Based on the systematic analysis of heartwood and alcohol extractives of D. ebenum, D. philippinensis and D. celebica by the three-step infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, SD-IR and 2DCOS-IR), the three similar Diospyros wood are successful distinguished. In FT-IR spectra, the principal chemical components of heartwood are characterized for cellulose (the bands at around ∼1370, ∼1158, ∼1034 and ∼895 cm−1), lignin (the bands around ∼2935, ∼1510, ∼1462 and ∼1426 cm−1) and calcium oxalate (peaks at ∼1615, ∼1318 and ∼781 cm−1). The correlation coefficient among samples and standard material give the result that D. ebenum is lignin-rich and D. celebica is resin-rich, while D. philippinensis contains more calcium oxalate. In SD-IR spectra, D. philippinensis and D. celebica have peaks at 1731 cm−1 mean they contain more resin. Besides, the alcohol extracts of D. ebenum possesses stronger peak at 1651, 1632, 1584 and 1388 cm−1 which can be characterized for naphthalene derivatives component. Through the 2DCOS-IR synchronous spectra, the C–H of lignin (the auto peaks at ∼1450 and ∼1460 cm−1) of three heartwoods show strong intensity. Lignin shows high thermal sensitivity in D. ebenum, while it is similar sensitive with cellulose in D. philippinensis, but it is slightly lower thermal perturbation than cellulose in D. celebica.Meanwhile, the thermal sensitivity of Si–O and Si–C of alcohol extractives are different in the range of 935–1255 cm−1. In addition, the difference in thermal perturbation of CO and CN of resin and naphthalene derivatives could also be considered as the key factors to discriminate them. This research demonstrated that the FT-IR and 2DCOS-IR could analyze and discriminate confused ebony wood comprehensively.

Isolation of Taste-Active Triterpenoids from Quercus robur: Sensory Assessment and Identification in Wines and Spirit.

Six new triterpenoids (1-6), two known genins (7 and 8), and five known functionalized triterpenoids (9-13) were isolated from a Quercus robur heartwood extract. The purification protocol was guided by LC-HRMS by searching for structural analogues of bartogenic acid on the basis of their putative empirical formula. The structures of the new compounds were unequivocally elucidated using HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR experiments. Sensory analyses were performed in water and in a non-oaked white wine on the pure compounds 1-13 at 5 mg/L. All molecules were perceived as bitter in water and wine, but they were mostly reported as modifying the wine taste balance. Using LC-HRMS, compounds 1-13 were observed in oaked red wine and cognac and were semiquantified in oak wood extracts. The influence of two cooperage parameters, oak species and toasting process, on compounds 1-13 content was studied. All compounds were found in quantities significantly higher in pedunculate than in sessile oak wood. Toasting is a key step in barrel manufacture and modulates the concentration of the discussed compounds. Significantly higher quantities were observed in untoasted wood compared to medium or highly toasted wood. These findings provide new insights into the molecular origin of taste changes due to oak aging.

Contribution to understanding the color development on wood surfaces treated with iron salts by a combination of analytical methods

Metal salts application on wood surface is a simple and nontoxic method that can be used for wood color modification, which is induced by the formation of colored complexes between wood extractives and metal ions. In this study, we have combined several analytical methods to understand the color development for four North American hardwood species: white oak, red oak, sugar maple and yellow birch. The phenolic composition of the ethanolic extracts of heartwood and sapwood of the four wood species was studied by UV-Vis spectrometry and liquid state phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P NMR) and analyzed in relation to color development. The correlations between different OH types and the color development as measured with the CIEL*a*b* color coordinates, indicate that the descending order of correlation for phenolic hydroxyls was: di-substituted OH, mono-substituted OH and un-substituted OH while no correlation was found between COOH hydroxyls and total color change (ΔE).

Apoptotic-Induced Effects of Acacia Catechu Willd. Extract in Human Colon Cancer Cells.

The research for innovative treatments against colon adenocarcinomas is still a great challenge. Acacia catechu Willd. heartwood extract (AC) has health-promoting qualities, especially at the gastrointestinal level. This study characterized AC for its catechins content and investigated the apoptosis-enhancing effect in human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells, along with its ability to spare healthy tissue. MTT assay was used to describe the time course, concentration dependence and reversibility of AC-mediated cytotoxicity. Cell cycle analysis and AV-PI and DAPI-staining were performed to evaluate apoptosis, together with ROS formation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes and caspase activities. Rat ileum and colon rings were tested for their viability and functionality to explore AC effects on healthy tissue. Quantitative analysis highlighted that AC was rich in (±)-catechin (31.5 ± 0.82 mg/g) and (−)-epicatechin (12.5 ± 0.42 mg/g). AC irreversibly decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent, but not time-dependent fashion. Cytotoxicity was accompanied by increases in apoptotic cells and ROS, a reduction in MMP and increases in caspase-9 and 3 activities. AC did not affect rat ileum and colon rings’ viability and functionality, suggesting a safe profile toward healthy tissue. The present findings outline the potential of AC for colon cancer treatment.

African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) and other local Tanzanian tree species’ biological performance against subterranean termites and wood decay fungi

African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) is known as an indispensable material for the production of musical instruments, e.g., clarinets, oboes, and piccolos. The authors focused on the biological performance of African blackwood and other local Tanzanian species in order to collect preliminary data for developing further uses for these local timbers. Five local species, including African blackwood, were exposed to both subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) and two wood decay fungi (White rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) and Brown rot fungus (Fomitopsis palustris)) according to Japanese standard test methods. African blackwood heartwood had high durability against both termite and fungal attacks, as well as the highest air-dried density of all test species. Some species also indicated a higher durability, even though they had a lower density than African blackwood heartwood. The authors showed the importance of heartwood extractives in terms of biological performance for the local Tanzanian timbers. The authors findings suggested that African blackwood heartwood was clearly useful as a high-durability material in addition to current major applications. The potential of the other local species was also suggested in terms of further timber utilization. These results presented fundamental information about sustainable forest management based on the effective utilization of local timbers.

Antifungal ability and decay resistance of Fokienia hodginsii heartwood extract and its inhibitory effect on Gloeophyllum trabeum

The inhibitory ability of Fokienia hodginsii heartwood (FHH) extracts on Trametes versicolor (TV) and Gloeophyllum trabeum (GT) as well as the toxic effect of its heartwood extracts on GT were studied. The growth inhibition ability of the samples was analyzed using the growth rate method. The results showed that in the experiment of inhibiting TV, extracts using hot water had little effect, acetone extracts had the best inhibiting effect, and the lowest value of acetone EC50 was 0.409 g/L. The parameter EC50 is the concentration of the corresponding agent that inhibits the growth of 50% fungi. In the antifungal experiment of GT, methanol extract had the best inhibition effect, and the lowest EC50 value was 0.283 g/L. The antifungal effect of five solvent extracts of FHH was good when the concentration was 10% (w/w), and at this time, the mass loss rate of the test pieces was below 11%, all of them were Class I, indicating a strong antifungal level. After observing the samples of GT with SEM, it was found that the structure of methanol extract treatment was more complete and the antiseptic effect was better than that of the hot water extract treatment.

Phytochemicals Analysis and Cytotoxicity Activity of Ethanol Extract of Litseacubeba Lour.Heartwood


 Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical compounds whichcontained in the ethanol extract and cytotoxic activity ethanol extract of Litseacubeba heartwood induced in T47D cells.
 Methods: The ethanol extract was extracted by maceration using ethanol 96% solvent. Cytotoxic activity was determined with MTT method and the IC50analyzed using SPSS 23.
 Results: Phytochemicals screening were showed that the ethanol extract of Litseacubeba heartwood contained steroids/triterpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The IC50of ethanol extract of Litseacubeba heartwood were 349,57 ±0,35μg/ml in T47D cells.
 Conclusions: Ethanol extract of Litseacubeba heartwood has activity as an anticancer to T47D cells breast cancer agents.

Synergistic effect of heartwood extracts in combination with linseed oil as wood preservatives against subterranean termite Heterotermes indicola (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

This study evaluated the effect of wood extracts from Tectona grandis, Dalbergia sissoo, Cedrus deodara, and Pinus roxburghii combined with linseed oil as protectants of two non-durable wood species against the termite, Heterotermes indicola. Heartwood blocks (19 × 19 × 19mm) and wood shavings were extracted using an ethanol/toluene (2:1) solvent system. Results of choice and no-choice tests with solvent-extracted and non-extracted heartwood blocks showed greater wood mass loss from termite feeding on solvent-extracted blocks compared with non-extracted blocks for all wood species. Significantly higher termite mortality was observed after termite exposure to non-extracted blocks compared with extracted blocks for all durable species. Sapwood blocks of two non-durable wood species (southern pine and cottonwood) were vacuum/pressure impregnated separately with each of the four types of extract at a concentration of 7.5mgml-1, linseed oil (20%) and a mixture of oil (20%) and extracts (4.25mgml-1) for the laboratory and field tests. Results showed that extract-oil mixture imparted significantly higher termite resistance compared with linseed or extracts alone under laboratory conditions. This apparent synergistic effect was clearly noted when linseed oil was combined with extracts from T. grandis or D. sissoo followed by an extract-oil mixture using C. deodara. These extract oil mixtures showed significantly less weight loss for the treated non-durable wood species and higher termite mortality (83-100%) compared with the control treatments and other extract-linseed oil mixtures tested. Treatment of both non-durable wood species with T. grandis + oil and D. sissoo + oil prevented termite damage compared with other treatments when blocks and stakes were exposed in the field for a period of 2years. Results of the current study indicated that a mixture of a particular heartwood extract with linseed oil has potential to be used as environmentally friendly wood protectants.

Extractive distribution in Pseudotsuga menziesii: effects on cell wall porosity in sapwood and heartwood

ABSTRACT Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) has distinctly colored heartwood as a result of extractive deposition during heartwood formation. This is known to affect natural durability and treatability with preservatives, as well as other types of wood modification involving infiltration with chemicals. The distribution of extractives in sapwood and heartwood of Douglas-fir was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Several different types of extractive including flavonoids, resin acids, and tannins were localized to heartwood cell walls, resin canals, and rays, using autofluorescence or staining of flavonoids with Naturstoff A reagent. Extractives were found to infiltrate the cell walls of heartwood tracheids and were also present to a lesser extent in sapwood tracheid cell walls, especially in regions adjacent to the resin canals. Förster resonance energy transfer measurements showed that the accessibility of lignin lining cell wall micropores to rhodamine dye was reduced by about 50%, probably as a result of cell wall-bound tannin-like materials which accumulate in heartwood relative to sapwood, and are responsible for the orange color of the heartwood. These results indicate that micro-distribution of heartwood extractives affects cell wall porosity which is reduced by the accumulation of heartwood extractives in softwood tracheid cell walls.

Influence of seasonality on the phenolic composition of Secondatia floribunda A.DC (Apocynaceae) during its phenological cycle

This study had as its objective to analyze the phenolic composition variations of the Secondatia floribunda A.DC stem bark and heartwood under the influence of seasonality and in different phenological phases. To analyze the chemical composition variation, quarterly collections were performed over 2 years, including both rainy and dry seasons as well as the different vegetative and reproductive phases of the species. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC–DAD. During the study period, S. floribunda presented leaf fall, budding, flowering, and fruiting, the last two phases coinciding with the rainy season. The ethanolic extracts from the stem bark and heartwood showed yields varying from 1.8 to 36%, with higher values between the rainy season (with low levels of precipitation) and the dry season, showing no relation with the phenological phases. The phenolic composition of the stem bark and heartwood extracts over the 2 years of study was qualitatively identical, except for the absence of the flavonoid apigenin in the heartwood. The compounds varied within the plant parts and showed level alterations during all the collections, responding both quantitatively and qualitatively to seasonality and phenology. The extracts presented high phenolic compound quantities during the rainy season, especially during the reproductive phases. These informations are useful to increase the knowledge surrounding this species and to contribute to the understanding of defense mechanisms and adaptation to different seasonal periods and to the establishment of the best period to obtain higher concentrations of phenolic compounds responsible for different therapeutic activities.

Wood color changes and termiticidal properties of teak heartwood extract used as a wood preservative

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in colorimetric patterns and the termite resistance of light-colored and low durability wood when impregnated with teak (Tectona grandis) heartwood extractives. Hot water and ethanol extracts were obtained from 20-year-old teak heartwood and used to evaluate the influence on color change and the natural resistance of 10-year-old teak sapwood and Pinus sp. For wood impregnation, a full-cell (Bethell) treatment was conducted. To verify the influence of the teak extracts, the colorimetric patterns of wood were determined using the Munsell and CIE-L*a*b* systems. Choice and no-choice feeding tests were performed under laboratory conditions to test the efficacy of the teak extract solutions against two termite species Nasutitermes corniger and Cryptotermes brevis. All of the extract solutions promoted a significant darkening of the wood, bringing the color of the impregnated wood closer to older teak heartwood than the untreated samples of the respective species. Ethanol extracts increased the resistance and mortality against N. corniger in both choice and no-choice tests. Resistance to C. brevis was not clearly affected.

Evaluation of the use of Myracrodruon urundeuva heartwood extracts to protect Moringa oleifera seeds against Nasutitermes corniger attack and improve sanity

Moringa oleifera seeds contain several biotechnologically-relevant molecules but are susceptible to termite attack. On the other hand, Myracrodruon urundeuva is strongly resistant to deterioration and it was previously reported the termiticidal activity of preparations from its heartwood against Nasutitermes corniger. This work evaluated whether methanolic (ME) and saline (SE) extracts from M. urundeuva heartwood would be able to protect M. oleifera seeds against N. corniger and improve seed sanity. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis was used to identify the chemical profile of the extracts. Seeds were sprayed for 5 days with ME (SME), SE (SSE), or positive control 1% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite (SSH) and then infested by workers and soldiers. Controls were also performed using seeds not treated with the extracts and infested (ST control) or not (S control). After death of all termites, the seeds were analyzed for vigor (by measurements of electric conductivity in the exudates) and sanity. The representative 1H NMR spectra showed phenolic compounds among the main components of the extracts. Mortality rate of workers and soldiers after 7 days was 100% in SME, SSE, and SSH while it was 50% in ST control. Perforations made by termites were observed in seeds from ST control and SME treatment but not in seeds treated with SE. Analysis of vigor revealed that seeds from control ST or those treated with ME or sodium hypochlorite were damaged by termites while SE promoted protection against N. corniger. Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma harziamum were identified in treatments and controls, revealing that the extracts did not improve seed sanity. In conclusion, SE from M. urundeuva heartwood conferred protection against N. corniger attack when sprayed on M. oleifera seeds and this effect can be related with lectin presence.

Bioactivity of ethanol extracts from Eucalyptus bosistoana F. Muell. heartwood

Variability in bioactivity and chemical composition of Eucalyptus bosistoana F. Muell. heartwood extracts between individual trees from two different sites were investigated. Combining the results of fungal assays and quantitative gas chromatography (GC) of the extracts allowed the investigation of bioactive compounds. The bioactivity of extracts was assessed against white rot (Trametes versicolor [L.] Lloyd) and brown rot (Coniophora cerebella Pers.). Ethanol extracts from E. bosistoana heartwood were less effective on the white rot than against the brown rot. Variability in the bioactivity of extracts against the two fungi was observed between the trees. A site effect in the bioactivity was found for the white rot but not the brown rot. Bioactivity of the extracts against the white rot was not correlated to that against the brown rot. The absence of a relationship between of effects of the extracts on the relative growth rates of the white rot and the brown rot indicated that the two fungi were affected by different compounds. Thirty two compounds were quantified in E. bosistoana ethanol extracts by GC, of which six (benzoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, 1,5-dihdroxy-12-methoxy-3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-anthra[2,3-c]pyran-6,11-dione, octadecanoic acid, polyphenol and beta-sitosterol) were identified. Significant variability in eight compounds was found between the two sites. Multivariate (PLSR) analysis identified compounds at the retention times 10.2 and 11.5 min (hexadecanoic acid) to be most related to the bioactivity of the E. bosistoana heartwood extracts against white rot and brown rot.