Characterization of Lignin-Carbohydrate Fractions Isolated from the Wood Parasite Cistance deserticola Y.C. Ma

Abstract

Summary Chemical analysis of Cistanche deserticola showed the presence of 7.5% of Klason lignin. Different lignin-carbohydrate fractions have been isolated from the methanol pre-extracted and depectinated Cistanche drug by sequential extractions using dioxane-water, cold and hot water, and 4% NaOH solution. 13CNMR spectroscopy in combination with sugar analysis were used to characterize the isolated fractions. The proportions of the guaiacyl-, syringyl- and p-hydroxyphenyl units in the lignin-rich fractions differ significantly from those of both hardwood and softwood lignins and resemble more those of gramineous lignins. The carbohydrate portion consists of xylan, starch, pectic polysaccharides, and cellulose in proportions which are not typical of wood tissues.