Phenolic Compounds of Coniferous Trees

Abstract

The paper discusses the classification, structure and properties of natural phenolic compounds found in conifers wood species of Russia. The reasons for the variety of detected phenolic compounds (more than 2000) are considered, including the type and conditions of plant growth, environmental factors, as well as methods for extraction of substances. Coniferous extractives include monomeric, dimeric and polymeric phenolic compounds in bound and free form, and their content differs significantly for various species and parts of a woody plant. Depending on the polarity of the solvent used (water, petroleum ether, dimethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, etc.), the yield, chemical composition and structure of the extracted phenolic compound change. It was shown that bark extracts of Larch and Fir contain the most phenolic acids and extractive substances than Pine, Cedar and Spruce, while the content of polar substances is higher in needles, and non- polar substances in plant shoots. Phenolic compounds are secondary plant metabolites, exhibiting fungicidal, virucidal and strong antioxidant effects, that make them a valuable basis for the creation of drugs.