Aquilaria sinensis
Aquilaria sinensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Aquilaria sinensis is a significant plant species known for producing highly valued agarwood from its resinous heartwood. Various parts of the plant, including the stem, leaf, root, and seed, contain bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpenes, 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid, and 6-epiagarotetrol. These chemical constituents provide the plant with essential antimicrobial and antitumor activities, which are critical in combating conditions like fungal infections caused by Aspergillus and Aspergillus niger. Research often utilizes preparations like Bantou (BT) agarwood to study how the plant responds to injury and environmental stressors. Consequently, understanding the chemical profile of this species is vital for exploring its medicinal potential and biological resilience.
- Synonyms
- Ophispermum Sinense · Agallochum Sinense · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Distribution
- Australasia
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Aquilaria sinensis is a highly valued species known globally by several distinct names. Within various cultural and botanical contexts, it is frequently referred to as Chinese Agarwood or simply Aquilaria sinensis. In traditional practices, it is often sought after under the names Bai Mu Xiang and Chen Xiang. Some regional classifications also recognize the plant by the common name A Ga Ru. Regardless of the terminology used, this plant remains a cornerstone of aromatic excellence.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Aquilaria sinensis is a botanical species that is recognized under several different scientific names throughout various taxonomic records. This plant is frequently identified by the synonym Agallochum grandiflorum in historical botanical literature. Researchers may also encounter it listed as Agallochum sinense or Aquilaria grandiflora depending on the specific classification system used. Furthermore, the name Ophispermum sinense serves as another valid synonym for this particular species. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification and study within the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Aquilaria sinensis belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a unique branch of the natural world. Within this biological framework, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Malvales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Aquilaria, it maintains a distinct identity among its close botanical relatives. Finally, this plant is situated within the Thymelaeaceae family, completing its formal taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus | Aquilaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Aquilaria sinensis is a notable species with a broad geographical range spanning various climatic zones across Asia. Within the temperate regions of Asia, it is found throughout mainland China and specifically across the Southeast provinces. The plant also thrives in the tropical environments of Hainan, showcasing its adaptability to different ecosystems. Its distribution extends further into the tropical landscapes of Indo-China, most notably within Vietnam. This diverse presence across both temperate and tropical territories highlights the significant ecological footprint of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Aquilaria sinensis is a distinctively shaped tree that maintains a sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 15 meters as it matures. While it can grow quite tall, its height often fluctuates between a minimum of 5 meters and 12.5 meters depending on environmental conditions. Such structural characteristics allow the plant to establish a significant presence within its native habitat. Understanding these physical dimensions is essential for identifying the species in the wild.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Aquilaria sinensis, commonly known as agarwood, serves as a rich biological source for discovering potent medicinal compounds. Recent studies have focused on the endophytic fungi residing within the stem tissue of this fragrant plant to explore their therapeutic potential. Research indicates that these fungal endophytes exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, a high percentage of these isolates demonstrated impressive antitumor activity against multiple cancer cell lines. These findings suggest that the symbiotic relationships within Aquilaria sinensis could lead to the development of valuable new antimicrobial and antitumor agents.
Compounds
Aquilaria sinensis is a highly valuable plant known for producing agarwood, a resinous substance rich in various bioactive compounds. Research indicates that this species contains a diverse array of sesquiterpenes, which serve as key defensive components induced by wounding or environmental stress. Detailed chemical analyses have identified specific constituents within the plant, including 2alpha-Hydroxyursolic acid found in its leaves. Furthermore, the resinous heartwood of the plant is characterized by the presence of 6-Epiagarotetrol and other unique chromone derivatives. The accumulation of these specialized metabolites, such as agarotetrol, plays a crucial role in determining the quality and medicinal potential of the harvested agarwood.
Conditions
Aquilaria sinensis produces agarwood as a defensive response to injury and wounding. The plant also responds to Agar-WIT treatment by initiating a dynamic process of agarwood formation and resin accumulation. Furthermore, the flavonoid extracts derived from its 'Qi-Nan' leaves demonstrate medicinal potential for treating Alzheimer's disease. These biological responses and chemical properties highlight the plant's complex interaction with both physical stressors and therapeutic applications.
Preparations
Aquilaria sinensis is prepared as agarwood, a high-value product used extensively for traditional medicine and incense. This species is also prepared as Bantou (BT) agarwood, which is a naturally formed type collected after the tree is cut. Additionally, Aquilaria sinensis is prepared as resinous heartwood, a source from which various sesquiterpenoids and chromone derivatives are isolated. The plant is further prepared as agarwood produced by Agar-Wit, a specific whole-tree agarwood-inducing technique. These diverse forms of the plant facilitate the extraction of important bioactive compounds for medicinal and scientific research.
Parts used
Aquilaria sinensis is a biologically complex plant that utilizes various anatomical structures to produce valuable secondary metabolites. Research indicates that the stem plays a critical role in the formation of agarwood resin through processes like programmed cell death. Additionally, the leaves are rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidants that can be enhanced through specific processing methods. Metabolic studies have also identified significant gene expression within the root tissues, particularly regarding sesquiterpene synthesis. Finally, the seed of the species has been found to contain volatile oils that exhibit promising antibacterial activity.