On the Use of Capsaicin as a Natural Preservative Against Fungal Attack on Pinus sp and Hymenaea sp Woods

Capsaicin (capsicum oleoresin) extracted from two peeper species, Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum baccatum, was investigated as a natural preservative against fungal (Paecilomyces variotti) attack on Pinus sp. and Hymenaea sp. Static contact angle measurements were performed as a function of time in order to investigate the wetting properties of the wood samples treated with capsicum oleoresin. As revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis, photographs, and angle contact measurements, Hymenaea sp is more sensitive to the presence of capsicum oleoresin, which can inhibit, or retard, the growth of Paecilomyces variotti. Structures of filaments called hyphae, occurring typically in multicellular fungi, were observed on the sample surfaces studied by using an electronic scanning microscope. The capsicum oleoresin extracted from Capsicum frutescens showed to be more effective as a preservative due to its greater degree of pungency (higher capsaicin content) and better penetration into the cellular structure of the woods.