This study investigates the industrial applications of exudates from Dacryoides
edulis (local pear tree). Solvent extractions of crude exudate gave yields of 24.3% in
ethanol, 22.2% in petroleum ether and 27.5% in benzene, respectively. Separation of each
extract by TLC indicated that each was a mixture of compounds, such as resin acids, lignin
and carbohydrates. Treatment with hot dilute acid (10% H2SO4) and dilute alkali (10%
NaOH) resulted in an aqueous layer, on top of which was an oily liquid that was solidified
on cooling. Both the crude and solvent free extract burned readily in air, but the acid and
alkali treated solid products did not. The saponified exudate was also found useful in sizing
papers. Therefore, the plant exudates can be utilized as fuel and fire retardant as well as
paper additive to control water penetration in paper.