Baig Aqsa, Akram Adeel, Lin Ming-Kuem
Graduate Institute of Biological Science and Technology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Aug 30;26(17):8468. doi: 10.3390/ijms26178468.
Agarwood, valued for its resin, has long been used in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicine. Its resin is primarily derived from species of and is produced through a still-unknown process in response to biotic or abiotic stress. Concerns regarding agarwood's sustainability and conservation have emerged because of the substantial loss of natural resources due to overharvesting and illegal trade. To address these concerns, artificial techniques are being used to produce agarwood. The mechanism underlying agarwood production must be elucidated to enhance yield. The authentication of agarwood species is challenging because of morphological similarities between pure and hybrid species. Techniques such as DNA barcoding, molecular marker assessment, and metabolomics can ensure accurate identification, facilitating conservation. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can support this process by enabling rapid, automated identification on the basis of genetic and phytochemical data. Advances in resin induction methods (e.g., fungal inoculation) and chemical induction treatments are improving yield and quality. Endophytic fungi and bacteria promote resin production at minimal harm to the tree. Agarwood's pharmacological potential-antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects-has driven research into bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpenes and flavonoids for the development of novel drugs. This systematic review synthesized current evidence on species authentication, induction techniques, and pharmacological properties. The findings may guide future research aimed at ensuring sustainable use and enhancing the medicinal value of agarwood.
沉香因其树脂而备受珍视，长期以来一直用于香水、香薰和传统医学。其树脂主要源自某些树种，是树木在受到生物或非生物胁迫时通过一种尚不清楚的过程产生的。由于过度采伐和非法贸易导致自然资源大量流失，人们对沉香的可持续性和保护问题日益关注。为了解决这些问题，人们正在采用人工技术来生产沉香。必须阐明沉香形成的机制以提高产量。由于纯种植株和杂交植株在形态上相似，沉香树种的鉴定具有挑战性。DNA条形码、分子标记评估和代谢组学等技术可以确保准确鉴定，有助于保护工作。人工智能和机器学习可以通过基于遗传和植物化学数据实现快速、自动鉴定来支持这一过程。树脂诱导方法（如真菌接种）和化学诱导处理方面的进展正在提高产量和质量。内生真菌和细菌在对树木造成最小伤害的情况下促进树脂生成。沉香的药理潜力——抗菌、抗炎和抗癌作用——推动了对倍半萜和黄酮类等生物活性化合物的研究，以开发新药。本系统综述综合了有关树种鉴定、诱导技术和药理特性的现有证据。这些发现可能为未来旨在确保可持续利用和提高沉香药用价值的研究提供指导。
