Review: Secondary Metabolites of Aquilaria, a Thymelaeaceae Genus

Background: Aquilaria, a genus belonging to the Thymelaeaceae, produces fragrant resinous agarwood, also known as eaglewood, which has been used as incense since old times. The intense fragrance is the result of the presence of a wide variety of secondary metabolites. Objective: This genus was reported contained sesquiterpenes, chromones, flavonoids, benzophenones, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and lignans. Conclusion: Here, we review the different secondary metabolites that have been identified in Aquilaria to show their diversity and to allow comparison with other Thymelaeaceae genera. Keywords: Aquilaria, Thymelaeaceae, sesquiterpene, chromone, flavonoid, benzophenone, diterpenoid, triterpenoid, lignan.