Abstract

The biological activity of extractives from heartwood of three native Chilean Cupressaceae was evaluated against pathogenic fungi and bacteria as well as the loss of mechanical properties and weight of wood (with and without extractives) exposed to saprophytic fungi. Wood samples from Austrocedrus chilensis, Fitzroya cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum were collected in the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Mountains of Chile. Over 20 compounds were isolated and identified. Most of them were fatty acid, sesquiterpenes, phenolic diterpenes, and lignans. Total extracts and isolated compounds were active on fungi and bacteria. It was observed that the most active compounds were the lignans, matairesinol, podophyllotoxin, yatein and the diterpenes, totarol, ferruginol, 6,7-dehydroferruginol. When the extractives were removed from the wood, the activity against saprophytic fungi decreased and the wood samples presented lower rigidity and weight than those with extractives. The extractives and their composition were related with the wood's natural durability when faced against the action of biotic agents. Our results suggest that the extractives from the heartwood of these native species are responsible for the natural durability of the native Chilean Cupressaceae. © International Allelopathy Foundation 2008.