Bioactive Terpenoids from Desert Shrubs for Durable Wood Protection: Chemistry, Delivery Systems, and Circular Bioresource Integration

Authors

  • Queen Aguma Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, P. O. Box 2104A, University Station Brookings, SD 57007 USA; Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9820, Starkville, MS 39762 USA https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3698-170X
  • Ananda Nanjundaswamy Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, P. O. Box 2104A, University Station Brookings, SD 57007 USA https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8132-3480
  • John O. Omolewa Department of Forestry, Mississippi State University, P. O. Box 9680, Starkville, MS, 39762-9601 USA https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7930-5155
  • Onyinye P. Choko Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602 https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4625-9745
  • Ighoyivwi Onakpoma Department of Wood Science and Engineering, 119 Richardson Hall Oregon State University, P. O. Box 1570, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1076-5862
  • Kelechi G. Ibeh School of the Environment, Washington State University, P. O. Box 642812, Pullman, WA, 99164-2812
  • Kufre E. Okon Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, P. M. B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8381-7053

Keywords:

Wood durability, Desert shrubs, Natural extractives, Bio-based coatings, Micro/nanoencapsulation, Resin valorization, Antifungal, Termiticidal, Circular bioeconomy, AWPA/ASTM testing

Abstract

The demand for low-toxicity wood protectants is accelerating the search for plant-derived alternatives. Terpenoids from desert-adapted shrubs combine antimicrobial, insecticidal, hydrophobic, and photoprotective functions yet remain underused in wood protection. This review brings together the chemistry, bioactivity, and application potential of guayule (Parthenium argentatum), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), physic nut (Jatropha curcas), spurges (Euphorbia spp.), and gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer). Key terpenoids are classified by structure and mechanisms of action are mapped against decay fungi and termites. Delivery platforms, including solvent-free resin-oil blends, micro/nanoencapsulation, and biopolymer matrices, were evaluated with emphasis on persistence, UV stability, and substrate compatibility. A solvent-free valorization example using guayule resin illustrates circular-bioeconomy integration. Environmental and regulatory considerations, commercial readiness, and research gaps (standardized field trials, fractionation for consistency, genotype/agronomy improvements) are highlighted. Desert-shrub terpenoids emerge as multifunctional, eco-friendly agents for durable wood protection and pest management, offering a scalable pathway toward circular bioresource innovation.

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Published

2026-02-02 — Updated on 2026-02-11

How to Cite

Aguma, Q., Nanjundaswamy, A., Omolewa, J. O., Choko, O. P., Onakpoma, I., Ibeh, K. G., & Okon, K. E. (2026). Bioactive Terpenoids from Desert Shrubs for Durable Wood Protection: Chemistry, Delivery Systems, and Circular Bioresource Integration. BioResources, 21(1), 2710–2757. Retrieved from https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/25300

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Scholarly Review