INTRODUCTION
Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) has been recognized as an environmentally
friendly wood material for a number of years. Mould such as brown rot (e.g. Coniophora
puteana) and white rot (e.g. Trametes versicolor) are observed on the wood [1]. Moreover,
Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum have also reported as wood mould [2]. To
preserve rubberwood from fungal attack, chemicals such as boron compounds are
commonly impregnated into rubberwood [3]. This, however, has narrowed down the
utilization of rubberwood mainly to the furniture industries. To extend rubberwood
utilization to other applications where health is of greater concern such as food related
materials and children’s play toys, the application of harmless natural preservatives
extracted from herbs or plants is, therefore, an interesting alternative