Phenolic extractives of cones and berries from Turkish coniferous species

Abstract

The composition of phenolic compounds was studied in the cones and berries of coniferous species which are growing in Turkey. Total amount of phenolics was determined as 0.68-3.69 mg g(-1) in Abies species, 0.06-1.70 mg g(-1) in Pinus species, 0.54 mg g(-1) in Picea orientalis, 3.31-6.39 mg g(-1) in Cupressus species and 0.20-0.60 mg g(-1) in Juniperus species. Under the same experimental conditions no detectable amount of phenolic compound was found in the cones of Cedrus Libani and in some Juniperus berries. Flavanoids, especially catechin, were the predominant compounds in all of the cones and berries. Lignans were determined only in the cones of Abies species. 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was found in all cones except P. brutia and Picea orientalis.