Components of the Volatile Concentrate of Agarwood

ABSTRACT The solvent extracts obtained from four kinds of agarwood (Kanankoh and Jinkoh), all of which were collected in Vietnam and imported via Hong Kong, were analyzed using fused silica capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometric techniques. The difference between Kanankoh (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.) and other agarwood (Jinkoh—tentatively identified as A. sinensis (Lour.) Gilg.) was studied by comparing the compositions of their extracts. Kanankoh contained large amount of chromone derivatives as previously reported. Moreover, it was found that two types of Kanankoh existed. One of them was rich in oxygenated guaiane and eudesmane derivatives, while the other contained oxo-agarospirol as a major sesquiterpene component. The biosynthesis of the sesquiterpenes in Kanankoh is also discussed.