Summary
Chemical analysis of Cistanche deserticola showed the presence of 7.5% of Klason lignin. Different
lignin-carbohydrate fractions have been isolated from the methanol pre-extracted and depectinated
Cistanche drug by sequential extractions using dioxane-water, cold and hot water, and 4% NaOH
solution. 13CNMR spectroscopy in combination with sugar analysis were used to characterize the
isolated fractions. The proportions of the guaiacyl-, syringyl- and p-hydroxyphenyl units in the
lignin-rich fractions differ significantly from those of both hardwood and softwood lignins and
resemble more those of gramineous lignins. The carbohydrate portion consists of xylan, starch, pectic
polysaccharides, and cellulose in proportions which are not typical of wood tissues.
Characterization of phosphorus species in sediments from the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone: Combining sequential extractions and X-ray spectroscopy
