An Overview of Agarwood, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities, and Analyses

ALPS Biotech Co., Ltd., National Biotechnology Research Park, Nangang, Taipei City 11571, Taiwan

*Corresponding authors:

Shui-Tein Chen ALPS Biotech Co., Ltd., National Biotechnology Research Park, Nangang, Taipei City 11571, Taiwan. Tel: +886-2-27887626; Email: [email protected]

Yerra Koteswara Rao ALPS Biotech Co., Ltd., National Biotechnology Research Park, Nangang, Taipei City 11571, Taiwan. Email: [email protected]

Citation: Chen ST, Rao YK. (2022). An Overview of Agarwood, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities, and Analyses. Traditional Medicine. 3(1):8.

Received: April 21, 2022

Published: July 17, 2022

ABSTRACT

Agarwood is a resin-impregnated heartwood obtained from the plants belongs to the genera, Aquilaria, Daphne, Gonystylus, Gyrinops and Wikstroemia. It is traditionally used for the production of perfume and incense stick, and pharmaceutical applications. Agarwood usually induced by the natural (traditional), conventional, and non-conventional methods. The major groups of phytochemicals identified in agarwood extracts are sesquiterpenes, 2-(2-phenylethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one derivatives (PECs), and aromatic compounds. These phytochemicals are showed various pharmalogical properties such as anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, etc. Several analytical techniques are applied to analyze the agarwood phytochemicals including sesquiterpenes, which exists mostly in the form of essential oils, and the fragrance constituents of PECs. The present review summarize the agarwood traditional uses, induction methods, phytochemical constituents, potential pharmacological activities, along with analyses methods. This review was carried out by searching various scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, ACS publications, Taylor and Francis, Wiley Online Library, MDPI, Springer, Thieme, and ProQuest. The present review provides a scientific basis for future studies and necessary information for the development of agarwood based therapeutic agents.

Keywords: Agarwood; Traditional uses; Induction methods; Chemical constituents; Biological activities; Analyses