Characterization of conifer seed cone polysaccharides and lignin

The polysaccharide and lignin components of Picea glauca, Pinus banksiana, Pinus nigra, Pinus ponderosa, Pinus resinosa and Pinus taeda seed cones were characterized by degradative analyses. Differences in the sugar compositions were noted nor only in comparisons between conifer seed cones and woods but also among the selected species of cones. Determinations of the lignin monomer compositions of the cones by thioacidolysis gave predominantly guaiacyl adducts similar to that fur conifer woods except at lower yields. As also indicated in the literature, seed cone lignin contents (26.9-42.5%) were sometimes significantly higher than those for conifer woods when determined by the Klason method. Higher total nitrogen and ash contents coincident with higher Klason lignin contents, along with lower seed cone lignin contents by the acetyl bromide method (20.4-27.9%), suggested that the true lignin contents of seed cones may actually be lower than originally thought. Taken together, the data indicate that seed cone cell walls appear to possess distinct chemical features that may impart resistance to decay. Results obtained may also help in the interpretation of the medicinal properties reported for seed cone cell wail derived isolates.