Aquilaria sinensis (Aquilaria sinensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Aquilaria sinensis work in the body?

Aquilaria sinensis contains active compounds including benzylacetone, anisyl acetone, aquilol, jinkoh-eremol, and kusunol, which contribute to its warming and analgesic properties. As a warming aromatic herb, it is traditionally believed to disperse cold, warm the middle burner, and support kidney function. The resinous heartwood may help regulate digestive motility and provide pain-relieving effects. Evidence level C indicates these mechanisms are primarily supported by traditional use and preliminary research rather than robust clinical trials.

Does Aquilaria sinensis interact with any medications?

There is limited clinical data on specific drug interactions for Aquilaria sinensis. Due to its effects on digestive function and potential influence on cytochrome P450 enzymes, caution is advised when combining with medications metabolized by the liver. Its warming properties may theoretically potentiate other warming agents. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before adding Aquilaria sinensis to their regimen. Evidence level C indicates more interaction research is needed.

What is the recommended dosage for Aquilaria sinensis?

The typical adult dosage for Aquilaria sinensis is 1-5 grams of dried wood powder daily, or approximately 200mg of standardized extract. This precious resinous heartwood is often prepared as a decoction, powder, or incorporated into traditional formulations. Dosage should be individualized based on the specific condition, patient constitution, and guidance from a qualified practitioner. Starting at the lower end of the dosage range is recommended to assess individual tolerance.

Is Aquilaria sinensis safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Aquilaria sinensis is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The warming, moving properties of this herb may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Due to insufficient safety data, breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a qualified healthcare provider for appropriate alternatives. The contraindication is particularly important for those with yin deficiency or excessive fire patterns.

What is Aquilaria sinensis used for in traditional medicine?

Aquilaria sinensis is traditionally used for cold abdominal pain, asthma, vomiting, kidney deficiency, and as an analgesic. As a warming aromatic herb, it addresses digestive complaints associated with cold patterns, supports kidney yang in traditional medicine systems, and provides pain relief. The precious resinous heartwood has been valued for centuries in Asian traditional medicine. Evidence level C indicates these uses are primarily supported by traditional knowledge and preliminary research rather than definitive clinical trials.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Aquilaria sinensis is a tree that produces agarwood, a valuable resinous heartwood formed in response to injury or stress [PMID:36875439, PMID:40533346]. It is highly prized for its fragrance and medicinal properties [PMID:32990292, PMID:35684324].

Background

Aquilaria sinensis produces agarwood, a resinous portion of the tree that develops as a defense mechanism against environmental stress factors, such as physical injury or microbial attack [PMID:32990292, PMID:35684324]. Due to overharvesting, the species is endangered, leading to the development of artificial induction techniques to stimulate resin production [PMID:35684324, PMID:30792732].

Traditional uses

Agarwood is used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in religious rites and cultural activities [PMID:32990292, PMID:29414842].

Active compounds

The primary chemical constituents of agarwood include 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (PECs) and sesquiterpenes [PMID:32990292, PMID:35416517, PMID:39070916]. Other identified compounds in Aquilaria plants include diterpenoids (such as abietane and pimarane types), flavonoids, benzophenones, xanthones, lignans, and steroids [PMID:30659875, PMID:32990292, PMID:23394318].

Mechanism of action

Certain sesquiterpenes from Chinese eaglewood inhibit nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells [PMID:26304765]. Specific 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones exhibit ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity [PMID:31056992]. Some abietane diterpenoids act as antidepressants by inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake in rat brain synaptosomes [PMID:23394318].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DNeuroinflammation

Sesquiterpenes (compounds 7, 10, 14, 15, and 21) significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in BV-2 microglial cells [PMID:26304765]

Evidence DNeurotoxicity

A 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone showed neuroprotective activities against glutamate-induced and corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in P12 pheochromocytoma and human U251 glioma cells, increasing cell viability by 82.2% and 86.9% respectively [PMID:22243963]

Evidence DDepression

Abietane diterpenoid (compound 1) demonstrated antidepressant activity in vitro by inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake in rat brain synaptosomes by 81.4% [PMID:23394318]

Evidence DOxidative Stress

Compounds 2, 8, 10, and 11 (2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones) exhibited strong ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity [PMID:31056992]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is limited to in vitro studies and phytochemical analyses (Level D), demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antidepressant activities of isolated compounds.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26304765 (2015) — Anti-neuroinflammatory sesquiterpenes from Chinese eaglewood. · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 37175310 (2023) — An Enantiospecific Synthesis of 5-epi-α-Bulnesene. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 22243963 (2012) — 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones from Chinese eaglewood. · Phytochemistry
4.PMID: 31056992 (2020) — Antioxidative 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in Chinese eaglewood from Aquilaria sinensis. · Journal of Asian natural products research
5.PMID: 32990292 (2021) — Natural products in agarwood and Aquilaria plants: chemistry, biological activities and biosynthesis. · Natural product reports
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Aquilaria sinensis

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Aquilaria sinensis