Agarwood

BotanicalBest before bedBest taken with food

What is it

Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis, A. agallocha, and related species) is the fragrant, resinous heartwood produced by Aquilaria trees in response to fungal infection or injury. It is highly prized in perfumery and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chen Xiang), Ayurveda, and other Asian traditions.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Traditional sedative / digestive use

Mixed Evidence

Long history of use; no rigorous controlled clinical trials.

How it works

The resin in agarwood contains a complex mix of volatile and non-volatile compounds including sesquiterpenes (agarofurans, jinkohol), chromones, and aromatic acids. Traditional uses include calming the mind, supporting digestion, and easing breathing. Preclinical research has explored sedative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, but human clinical data are very limited. The wood is more often used for incense and essential oil than as a typical oral supplement.

Dosage

Traditional internal use: 1-3 grams of powdered wood per day. Essential oil is used externally or in aromatherapy. DSLD label data did not include a typical dose.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Traditionally used for calming or digestive purposes after meals or before bed. HOW: As powder, chips for decoction, tincture, or essential oil for aromatherapy (not for internal use unless specifically formulated).

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Powdered wood

Used in TCM formulas.

Volatile compounds may be lost; traditional preparation.

Essential oil (oud)

Highly valued in perfumery.

Used aromatically; not for internal use unless specified.

Safety

Generally considered safe at traditional doses. Authentic agarwood is rare and expensive; many products on the market are adulterated. Essential oil applied to skin can occasionally cause irritation or sensitization.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. People taking sedative medications should be cautious. Authentic sourcing is a major concern; many products are adulterated.

Interactions

Limited interaction data. The traditional sedative use raises theoretical interactions with CNS depressants.

Frequently asked questions

Why is agarwood so expensive?⌄

Authentic agarwood forms only when Aquilaria trees become infected with specific fungi - a rare event. Wild populations are endangered (CITES-listed). Most products on the market are diluted or fake.

Is agarwood the same as oud?⌄

Yes - oud is the Arabic name for agarwood, primarily used to refer to the essential oil or perfumery use.

References

Agarwood on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Agarwood (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.