Potential of herbaceous lignocellulosics as industrial raw materials

Abstract

Alpinia zerumbet is a perennial plant growing widely in the subtropical and tropical regions. Alpinia zerumbet leaves and rhizomes have been extensively studied for their chemical compositions and biological activities. It is traditionally used for the treatment of cardiovascular hypertension and as an antispasmodic agent [1-4]. Kaoliang is another kind of lignocellulose, it has been widely used as natural dyes in the coloring of foods, clothes, and cometics. The main components of Kaoliang color have been reported to be apigeninidin and luteolinidin [5], however, the structures of other compounds present in the colar have not been elucidated clearly until now [6]. Bagasse is the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane or sorghum stalks are crushed to extract their juice and is currently used as a renewable resource in the manufacture of pulp and paper products and building materials [7-8]. In this study, lignocellulosics characteristics of alpinia zerumbet, kaoliang and bagasse were investigated to compare with other graminae plants through the phase-separation system.