Agarwood

Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) fragrance and its origin in stress make it probably the most suitable model to study stress-induced aroma. Production being confined only to certain small pockets of South and Southeast Asia, agarwood is arguably the costliest wood in the world. Formation of fragrant agarwood resin is the outcome of complex biotic, abiotic, and physical stress on the Aquilaria trees.

The intricate mechanism by which some 150 odd fragrant molecules that constitute agarwood aroma is formed is still not clearly understood. The present review therefore aims to bring to focus this less known but highly valuable stress-induced aroma from Asia. Discussions on agarwood species, occurrence, distribution, formation, and products have been included as foundation.

Agarwood is said to be the favorite fragrance of Lord Krishna, God of Protection. The Buddha taught that the fragrance of burning Agarwood is the “scent of Nirvana” (the state of attaining Divinity). Samurai warriors perfumed their armor with Agarwood smoke for good luck before going into battle. The extravagant King Louis XIV of France had his clothes and linens washed in a blend of water boud oiled with Agarwood and rose to give him energy, and for its pleasing fragrance.

The properties of Agarwood oud oil are (so far) known to be:

• Stimulant – quickens physiological function
• Tonic – strengthens the body
• Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation
• Aphrodisiac – increases sexual desire
• Diuretic – stimulates the production of urine
• Antimicrobial – kills or resists pathogenic microorganisms
• Digestive – aids digestion of food
• Analgesic – relieves pain
• Febrifuge – combats fever
• Expectorant – loosens mucus in the respiratory tract and aids expulsion
• Emmenagogue – stimulates menstrual flow
• Demulcent – protects mucus membranes and calms irritation
• Muscle relaxant – eases tension in muscles
• Carminative – settles the digestive system and relieves gas