Pharmacological properties of agarwood tea derived from Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae) leaves: An emerging contemporary herbal drink

Agarwood tea is made from the leaves of Aquilaria, a protected tree species of the tropical forest. Trees in this genus produce agarwood, a highly-prized resin-impregnated wood formed in the main stem. The last decade has seen a steady expansion in Aquilaria plantation establishment. The popular plantation species are Aquilaria crassna, A. malaccensis, and A. sinensis. Farmers capitalized on the leaves of their planted Aquilaria tree by producing a tea drink, and thus the name 'agarwood tea'. The leaves contain various chemical constituents including 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones, phenolic acids, steroids, fatty acids, benzophenones, xanthonoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkanes that may be related to beneficial pharmacological properties. Such properties include analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antihistaminic, lipid-lowering, laxative, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and hepatoprotective. Here, we summarize the various active ingredients found in Aquilaria leaves and their pharmacological properties, thus serving as a reference material for their usage as herbal drinks.