An Updated Review of Aquilaria Species: Distribution, Chemical Constituents and Authentication Methods

Yen Thi, Thuy Thanh, Tuan Quoc, Dien Dinh, Thang Nam, Trung Quoc and Chu Duc

The genus Aquilaria Lam. (Thymelaeaceae) encompasses species famous for their invaluable resinous heartwood known as agarwood. Unfortunately, the increased use of their agarwood, due to the significant demand in industries such as perfumery, incense and traditional medicine, poses a severe threat to the existence of these species in nature. This comprehensive review delves into the issues of Aquilaria species, with a primary focus on their geographical distribution, chemical constituents and authentication methods. The Aquilaria genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. Alarmingly, twenty-one Aquilaria species have been classified on the Red List of Threatened Species, from critically endangered to vulnerable. Besides this, some species do not have enough data to classify in conservation status. In the review, first, a listing of 21 distinct Aquilaria species with their regional distribution and conservation status is provided. This enumeration could give further information for the evolutionary trajectory and diversification. Next are the types and derivatives of the principal chemical constituents in Aquilaria trees. Among these, sesquiterpenes and chromones emerged as the main aromatic compounds in Aquilaria species, responsible for agarwood’s distinct scent and medicinal effects. Of particular interest, all reliable verification methods, including morphology-based and genome-based approaches, were given to highlight their advantages and limitations. Finally, several potential techniques have been indicated to steer Aquilaria species toward a sustainable equilibrium in usage and conservation.

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