A quantitative examination of the Douglas fir flavanones, some extractives of Tawa heartwood

Abstract

I. A method for the quantitative analysis of the Douglas fir flavanones has been worked out. The results of analysis of a number of samples from New Zealand grown Douglas fir trees show that the distribution of the flavanones varies considerably and, apparently, at random. Taxifolin is always the most abundant of the flavanones with aromadendrin next, followed by pinocembrin. Naringenin is present only in very small quantities. (0.005% approx.) II. An investigation of the ether and water extractives of Tawa heartwood has been carried out. β-sitosterol has been isolated from the ether extractable material. At least three sugars or polyols were present in the water extract. Two of these are most likely to be rhamnose and mannitol, but further confirmation is necessary.