Agarwood, also known as “Oud,” is a valuable and fragrant wood used in various cultures for perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines. Agarwood is derived from the resinous heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, which is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The resin in the heartwood is produced when the tree is infected by a specific type of mold, which leads to the formation of aromatic, dark resin. This resin is then harvested, and its fragrance is highly prized.
Agarwood is used in several forms, including raw wood, powder, oil, and in the production of incense. It has a significant role in aromatherapy, religious rituals, and traditional healing in many Asian cultures. The essential oil extracted from agarwood is also highly valued in the perfume industry, often used in high-end fragrances due to its rich, deep, and complex aroma.
Our range of Agarwood products includes:
Raw Agarwood (Wood chips or logs)
Agarwood Powder
Agarwood
Agarwood testing often involves examining various parameters to determine its quality, composition, and authenticity. Here are some common test parameters used in evaluating agarwood:
Resin Content
Importance: The resin content is the most valuable part of agarwood, giving it its distinct fragrance. Higher resin content typically indicates higher quality.
Test Methods: Typically measured by solvent extraction or distillation, where resin is separated and quantified.
Moisture Content
Importance: The moisture content impacts weight, burning efficiency, and quality perception. It is essential for storage and processing.
Test Methods: Moisture analyzers or drying in an oven until a constant weight is reached.
Density
Importance: High-density wood usually contains more resin, and thus, it’s often an indicator of quality.
Test Methods: Density can be determined by measuring the wood's mass and volume or through water displacement methods.
Volatile Oil Content
Importance: Essential oils are one of the primary products from agarwood. The concentration and composition of these oils determine the fragrance profile.
Test Methods: Essential oils can be extracted by steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) or mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess quality.
Chemical Composition
Importance: Agarwood's fragrance depends on the chemical compounds present, such as sesquiterpenes and chromones.
Test Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are commonly used to identify and quantify these compounds.
Color and Texture
Importance: Visual inspection is still widely used for initial quality assessment. Darker wood is often more resin-rich.
Test Methods: Physical observation and comparison to grading standards. This is often a subjective method but useful for initial screening.
Ash Content
Importance: The ash content after burning is an indicator of purity. High-quality agarwood should have minimal ash.
Test Methods: Burn a sample and weigh the remaining ash.
Burning Properties (Smoke and Aroma)
Importance: High-quality agarwood produces a distinct aroma when burned, with less smoke and a more consistent scent.
Test Methods: This can be done through traditional sensory analysis (burning and smelling) or by using electronic nose technology for objective analysis.
DNA Analysis (Authentication)
Importance: Ensures that the agarwood is authentic and from a specific species, as many species can produce similar-appearing wood.
Test Methods: DNA barcoding or molecular identification techniques are used to authenticate species origin.
