Aquilaria Species (Thymelaeaceae) Distribution, Volatile and Non-Volatile Phytochemicals, Pharmacological Uses, Agarwood Grading System, and Induction Methods

Abstract

Agarwood is a highly valuable fragrant wood of Aquilaria spp. (Thymelaeaceae) which has been widely utilized in traditional medicine, religious rites, and cultural activities. This study summarizes a review on the identification of Aquilaria cultivars, volatile and non-volatile phytochemicals, pharmacological uses, and agarwood grading system to determine its quality, and different agarwood induction methods. Due to the highly demanding and depleted natural resources, the research on agarwood is still insufficient, and it has broad research and development prospects in many industries. However, due to the significant scientific nature of agarwood application, developing high-quality products and drugs from agarwood have become highly important, while no one has discussed in detail the phytochemicals uses and provided a summary until now. The main phytochemicals of agarwood include terpenoids, dominated by sesquiterpenes. For centuries, terpenoids have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and have been shown to possess various pharmacological properties, including bacteriostatic, antibacterial, sedation, analgesia, anti-inflammation, anti-asthmatic, hypoglycemic, antidepressant, and many others. Alongside biological activity screening, phytochemical advances and pharmacological research have also made certain progress. Therefore, this review discusses the research progress of agarwood in recent years and provides a reference basis for further study of Aquilaria plants and agarwood.

Therapeutic Potential of Agarwood in Oral Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Management

“…The results showed that agarwood volatile oil has a versatile sedative and hypnotic effect, and its mechanism of action may be related to regulating the gene expression of GABAA receptor, enhancing the function of GABAA receptor, and promoting the influx of CL -1 [30]. Researches have compared the analgesic effects of different years of agallodendron, and deduce that the volatile oil of agallodendron can significantly increase the pain threshold of mice and reduce the number of writhing induced by acetic acid in mice, proving that it has a clear analgesic effect [31]. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac is a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.…”

Lethal, transmission, behavioral, and physiological effects of Metarhizium anisopliae against gregarious larvae of Heortia vitessoides and synergistic effects between Metarhizium anisopliae and insecticides

“…1 This plant is the source of the fragrant product 'agarwood', which plays important roles in traditional medicines, religious ceremonies, and incense industries. 2 Agarwood with high quality can sell for up to 30 000 US dollars per kilogram in the international market and therefore has been considered as 'one of the most expensive natural ingredients in the world'. 3 Due to illegal logging, the wild population of A. sinensis sharply decreased and has been listed as the national secondclass protected wild plant in China.…”

Uncovering the secrets of agarwood aroma according to regions and grades using a comprehensive analytical strategy

“…5,6 Although it has garnered widespread acclaim, the scarcity of agarwood resulting from natural calamities and anthropogenic factors has caused a decline in wild populations, leading to a shortage of agarwood and an inflated market price. [7][8][9] Agarwood originates from diverse and distinct regions, although Guan-xiang, Hoi-an, and Sin-chew zones are three main production areas. The quality and chemical composition of agarwood are influenced by its specific place of origin, [10][11][12] and its multifaceted origins coupled with scarcity and escalating market demand have presented challenges in maintaining consistent quality control measures for this precious material.…”

“…5,6 Although it has garnered widespread acclaim, the scarcity of agarwood resulting from natural calamities and anthropogenic factors has caused a decline in wild populations, leading to a shortage of agarwood and an inflated market price. 7–9…”