Natural durability of wood is defined as “the inherent resistance of wood against various wood-destroying organisms” (European standard EN 350-1). This property is due in particular to heartwood extractives. However, the wood natural durability is included in a wider defense system, and other organs such as bark and roots also host protective compounds. Studying the mechanisms on which global chemical defense relies can give insights into the tree functioning, but also inspire new solutions for scientific and technical innovation. Firstly, we will highlight the link between the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in tree chemical defense and the optimized production of economically valuable products such as essential oils. We will then present previous works performed by our team aiming at understanding the chemical resistance mechanisms of durable woods against fungi, to eventually isolate and identify antifungal compounds that could be used for the treatment of human fungal diseases, in the context of a bio-inspired approach. Lastly, we will show that the use of wood residues obtained from naturally durable trees transformed by the timber industry can be a sustainable strategy to develop innovative products for human well-being or health.

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