Chemical and structural characterization of Myracrodruon urundeuva barks aiming at their potential use and elaboration of a sustainable management plan

Abstract

The objective of this work was to characterize chemically and structurally barks from Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão in order to provide information that values its use and that is relevant to elaborating sustainable management plan. Anatomy and thickness of the periderm and secondary phloem, and also the bark histochemistry were analyzed. Ash, extractive, suberin, lignin, and polysaccharide contents were determined. The mineral composition of the ashes, the phenolic composition, and the antioxidant activity of the bark extracts were also analyzed. The M. urundeuva bark presented rhytidome frequently anastomosing periderm layers, forming a reticulate pattern. It was marked by the presence of secretory ducts and dead phloem between the periderms. Great amount of phenolic content was noted in the outer bark. The average chemical composition of the bark was 26.96% total extractives, 25.38% total lignin, 0.95% suberin, 9.24% ash, and 37.13% polysaccharides. Total phenolic content was 165.90 mg GAE g−1 of extract, flavonoids 91.36 mg catechin g−1 of extract, and tannin content 8.50 mg catechin g−1 of extract. An interesting processing route for the use of the M. urundeuva bark would be to obtain polar extractives, which presented a good antioxidant activity, and ash removal that can be used as fertilizer in forest plantations. Subsequently, use the fibrous structure of these barks as a source of lignocellulosic material for different uses.