Chemical composition of leaves and branches of Cedrela odorata L. From two forest plantations as a source of lignocellulosic feedstock

Cedrela odorata L., known as red cedar, is one of the most economically valuable species in Mexican forestry production. Although timber is the main product obtained from this species, branches and leaves are generated from thinning and pruning activities, as well as sawdust from sawmilling. These materials are currently considered as waste. This study evaluated the chemical composition of the leaves, branch wood and sawdust of red cedar from samples collected in two experimental forest plantations in El Palmar, Veracruz and San Felipe Bacalar, Quintana Roo. Concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids and their capacity for scavenging free radicals were evaluated, focusing on their potential use as a lignocellulosic source for obtaining biofuels and in applications in biomedical areas. The leaves have high concentrations of extractables with maximum values of 34,78%, polysaccharides 67,11%, lignin 31,10%, reducing sugars 6,52%, phenols 211,91 mgGAE/g, flavonoids 81,05 mgCE/g, but did not show free radical scavenging activity. In contrast, the branch wood and sawdust had low extractable levels with 6,10%, polysaccharides 78,46%, lignin 32,24%, reductor sugars 8,87%, phenols 355,57 mgGAE/g, flavonoids 178,56 mgCE/g and a high capacity for free radical scavenging. Differences were found in lignocellulosic concentrations among the samples collected at the two plantations, with the highest values in those collected at Bacalar, QR. The results obtained indicate that the leaves, branch wood and sawdust are viable for obtaining carbohydrates; while the wood can be a source of phenols and flavonoids with possible therapeutic applications.