Heartwood Extractives Research Articles

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.

Antidiabetic effects of Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) corner heartwood extract

Background and aimMaclura cochinchinensis (MC) (Lour.) heartwood extract have been used traditionally to treat diabetes in Thailand, but their mechanism of action has not been elucidated. Experimental procedureThis study investigated the effects of an aqueous heartwood extract of MC on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Moreover, its antidiabetic effect was evaluated using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a 28-day administration to streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced type 2 diabetic mice. ResultsIn both OGTT and the daily oral administration for 28 days in STZ-NA-induced type 2 diabetic mice models, the extract (1,000 mg/kg) significantly decreased fasting blood glucose. This hypoglycemic effect was explained by increased insulin levels and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50:1.53 ± 0.03 μg/mL). ConclusionThis first study on the hypoglycemic activity of MC heartwood extract indicates that it could be a potential natural remedy for type 2 diabetes.

Relationship between attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of western juniper and natural resistance to fungal and termite attack

Abstract Wood extractives are considered the major factor determining the natural durability of wood. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was assessed for rapid determination of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook. var. occidentalis) durability based on extractives in heartwood, sapwood-heartwood and sapwood regions. Durability was assessed by exposing samples to brown-rot decay fungi [Gloeophyllum trabeum (Pers.) Murrill and Rhodonia placenta (Fr.) Niemelä, K.H. Larss. & Schigel] or eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar). Durability classifications were compared to their extractive contents, along with ATR-FTIR spectra of extracted and unextracted blocks to establish relationships using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Western juniper durability varied with test organisms, but the majority of samples had high fungal and termite resistance. Moderate to weak connections were observed between durability and extractive content, but HCA and PCA analysis were unable to classify durability with accuracy. The absence of non-resistant samples may have influenced the ability of the chemometric methods to accurately categorize durability.

Ex-situ performance of extracts from naturally durable heartwood species and their potential as wood preservatives

To avoid the use of toxic synthetic chemicals due to their potential environmental impacts, the feasibility of using heartwood extracts of Tectona grandis and Cedrus deodara as wood preservatives against the subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes and two basidiomycete decay fungi, Trametes versicolor and Rhodonia placenta, was investigated in laboratory experiments. There were no significant differences in feeding for R. flavipes fed solvent-extracted and non-extracted T. grandis in choice and no-choice tests with 100% mortality. Reticulitermes flavipes ignored non-extracted C. deodara (mass loss 1.93%) in choice tests and consumed significantly more solvent extracted C. deodara (mass loss 33.4%) with 64.9% mortality. Complete termite mortality (100%) was observed after exposure to non-extracted C. deodara versus 53% mortality when fed on extracted C. deodara in a no-choice test. When extracted and non-extracted blocks of each wood species were exposed to decay fungi, durability of both heartwood species was reduced post extraction. Extracts removed from wood shavings via Soxhlet extraction were used to treat non-durable southern pine and cottonwood. Both extracts imparted termite resistance to the non-durable species. Weight losses of both non-durable species were reduced at the highest extract concentration tested (10 mg ml−1), and were inversely related to extract concentrations and retentions. Significantly higher termite mortality was observed at the maximum extract concentration tested for either extract. Water leaching of non-durable wood species treated with T. grandis extract did not reduce termite resistance, and no significant difference between mortality of termites on leached versus non-leached samples was observed. Conversely, the weight loss of wood treated with C. deodara extract was significantly greater post leaching. T. grandis and C. deodara extracts showed no protective effects at tested concentrations against decay fungi when applied to non-durable southern pine or cottonwood.

Efficiency of three conventional methods for extraction of dihydrorobinetin and robinetin from wood of black locust

The aim of the study was to examine the amounts of extractives in sapwood and heartwood of black locust recovered using three different conventional extraction techniques and three different solvent compositions. Heartwood contained larger amounts of total phenols, dihydrorobinetin and robinetin than sapwood, irrespective of the extraction technique and solvent used. Dihydrorobinetin and robinetin were the characteristic phenolic compounds of black locust wood, whereas the concentration of dihydrorobinetin was significantly higher. The highest concentrations of examined extractives were obtained by Soxhlet extraction. More than ninety percent of extractives were leached from wood in a Soxhlet apparatus in less than 2 hours. Maceration with stirring and ultrasonic extraction gave smaller yields of extractives. The amounts of total extractives, total phenols and robinetin leached with the three solvents were comparable. Extraction of heartwood with acetone yielded significantly larger amounts of dihydrorobinetin than extraction with methanol or ethanol. Four hours extraction of wood meal with aqueous acetone in a Soxhlet apparatus was found to be the optimal extraction procedure for the recovery of dihydrorobinetin.

Analysis of Chemical Composition of Extractives by Acetone and the Chromatic Aberration of Teak (Tectona Grandis L.F.) from China.

In order to clarify the chemical color change of teak (Tectona grandis L.F.), the difference of chemical composition between the heartwood and sapwood of teak was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based on the acetone extractive compounds. The results showed that the difference in content of the main components between heartwood and sapwood was not obvious. However, the amount of extractives in heartwood was higher than that in sapwood, especially for phenols, quinones, and ketones. The most obvious different substances in the acetone extractive between heartwood and sapwood were 4-tert-butyl-2-phenyl-phenol,2-methyl-anthraquinone, and 2,3-dimethyl-1,4,4a,9a-tetrahydro-9,10-anthracenedione, which might be the main composition for the chromatic aberration of teak. This paper focuses on a preliminary study and further work such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet photometric detector (UV)/mass spectrometry (MS) will be carried out.

ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY OF SECANG HEARTWOOD (CAESALPINIA SAPPAN L.) SOLUTIONS ON BIOFILMS OF CANDIDA ALBICANS ATCC 10231

Objective: Candida albicans is a predominant fungal species found in persistent root canal infection, and its virulence depends on the ability to formbiofilms. To be able to eliminate this infection, a safe irrigation solution during root canal preparation is needed. This study is conducted to investigatethe antifungal properties of secang heartwood extract solutions on C. albicans biofilm.Methods: C. albicans biofilm was obtained from incubation of C. albicans ATCC 10231 at 96-well plates in 37°C for 24 h. These biofilms were exposedto various treatments: Secang heartwood in three different concentrations (25%, 33%, and 50%), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 2.5%, and controlgroup. The results of the treatment are to see the optical density (OD) value. The higher the OD values, the lower antifungal activity of the solution.Results: The mean OD result from six samples obtained the mean value of various OD values showed in ELISA reader. Antifungal efficacy of 25%secang heartwood was lower than concentration of 33% and 50%. All concentrations of secang heartwood showed higher OD values than 2.5% NaOClbut lower than control group with p=0.01.Conclusion: Secang heartwood possesses antifungal effects against C. albicans biofilm but is lower than 2.5% NaOCl. Concentration of 25% has thestrongest effect against C. albicans among other concentrations. This was a preliminary study of the antifungal efficacy of secang heartwood extractsolutions against C. albicans biofilm. The result indicates that this solution has the potential to be used as an herbal alternative in root canal irrigations.

Mechanical properties and biological performance of particle board made of sendan (Melia azedarach)

Sendan (Melia azedarach), a domestic fast-growing species in Japan, was used as a material of particle board (PB). Sendan lumber was crushed into chips using a hammer mill, and PB was made of these chips with p-MDI adhesive. For a reference, recycled chips including softwood were also used for a fabrication of PB. The mechanical properties of PB and the biological performance of solid wood and PB were investigated. Bending strength, internal bonding strength, and thickness swelling were evaluated for mechanical properties of PB, meeting the Japanese industrial standard (JAS). For the biological performance tests, solid woods of sendan and sugi were used. Termite resistance and decay resistance of both the solid woods and the PBs were evaluated. The mechanical properties of sendan and recycled PBs met the criteria of JAS. A white-rot jungus, Trametes versicolor decayed sendan heartwood and sendan PB more easily than sugi heartwood and recycled (softwood) PB, respectively. The termite resistance of sendan heartwood and sendan PB was superior to that of sugi heartwood and recycled PB, respectively. The higher density and the solvent removal of extractives in sendan heartwood were likely to be responsible for their high termite resistance.