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

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive volatile chemical profile of agarwood from Laos and Thailand using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The data were compared with results previously published from five other geographic sources, enabling a robust evaluation of agarwood’s suitability for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Methods: Volatile components of agarwood samples from Laos and Thailand (samples 6 and 7) were analyzed using the GC–MS protocols described in earlier studies. A subsequent evaluation of the sesquiterpenes identified in all seven samples was conducted using a systematic literature review of major databases, focusing on in vitro and in vivo reports of biological activity. Results: GC–MS analysis revealed that agarwood from Laos and Thailand contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs), monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, consistent with previous reports. Across the seven samples, three common sequiterpenes–italicene ether, epi-γ-eudesmol, and α-agarofuranㅡthree shared VOCS were identified. The literature review of 38 compounds produced 157 references, categorized into 15 biological activity domains, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal effects. Anti-inflammatory pathways mediated by cytokine regulation were most frequently observed. Conclusion: This is the first Korean comparative analysis of the volatile components of agarwood from seven geographic regions. The integrated GC–MS and literature-based findings highlight anti-inflammatory activity as a major biological mechanism. These results provide a solid foundation for future statistical analyses and in vitro/in vivo validation of individual compounds to advance agarwood research and its medicinal and cosmetic applications.