A review of chemistry, quality and analysis of infected agarwood tree (Aquilaria sp.)

Abstract

Agarwood is a valuable oleoresin obtained from wounded tree of various genus of Thymelaeaceae family especially from Aquilaria species. Agarwood is regarded as most treasured non-timber forest product used in fragrances as well as medicines. Quality of agarwood plays an important role to define its commercial value. Different countries use different grading pattern to define the quality of agarwood. More than 250 compounds have been identified so far, mostly sesquiterpenoids, chromones and volatile aromatic compounds. GC–MS is the considered as a best method for the identification of chemical profile of the agarwood by various authors. Present review discusses the various methods used to determine quality of agarwood and chemical constituents of infected agarwood tree.