Volatile Components in Agarwood from Laos and Thailand: A Comparative Study and Evaluation of Their Medicinal and Cosmetic Potential

December 2025 in “ Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology ”

Woojin Cho, Kwang Ho Jung

Studysummary In this study, researchers used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to analyze agarwood from Laos and Thailand, identifying key volatile compounds also found in five other regions, and highlighted cytokine-regulated anti-inflammatory activity as a significant biological mechanism, suggesting potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

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The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the volatile chemical profile of agarwood from Laos and Thailand using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), comparing it with data from five other regions. The analysis identified common sesquiterpenes and volatile organic compounds, with a focus on their biological activities. A literature review of 38 compounds revealed 157 references across 15 biological activity domains, with anti-inflammatory effects being most prominent. This research lays the groundwork for further statistical and experimental validation of agarwood's potential in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

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