Below is a clear, academic-grade, regulatory-safe comparison of Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) RESIN vs LEAF metabolite profiles, suitable for TESDA modules, Oud Academia training, infographics, and academic instruction.
This is framed as chemical and functional differentiation, not medical claims.
Comparison: Agarwood Resin vs Leaf Metabolite Profiles
1. Biological Origin
| Aspect | Resin (Agarwood / Oud) | Leaves (Agarwood Leaf Tea) |
|---|---|---|
| Biological role | Defense response to injury, infection, stress | Photosynthesis, growth, metabolism |
| Formation trigger | Pathogen / wounding / stress | Natural plant growth |
| Occurrence | Localized in heartwood | Abundant, renewable |
| Sustainability | Limited, high-impact harvest | Renewable, non-destructive |
2. Dominant Metabolite Classes
A. Resin Metabolite Profile
(Secondary stress-induced compounds)
| Compound Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Sesquiterpenes | Major aroma carriers (e.g., guaiane, eudesmane types) |
| Chromones | 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones (PECs) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | Complex woody, balsamic notes |
| Low volatility resins | Fixative properties |
🔎 Functional role:
- Aroma, incense smoke chemistry
- Perfumery and ritual use
B. Leaf Metabolite Profile
(Primary & secondary metabolic compounds)
| Compound Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Polyphenols | Antioxidant plant compounds |
| Flavonoids | Pigments, UV protection |
| Xanthones (e.g., mangiferin) | Plant defense & metabolism |
| Tannins (low–moderate) | Mild astringency |
| Chlorophyll & carotenoids | Photosynthetic pigments |
🔎 Functional role:
- Growth, energy capture
- Leaf tea flavor, color, stability
3. Volatility & Aroma Profile
| Aspect | Resin | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Aroma intensity | Very high | Mild to subtle |
| Dominant notes | Woody, animalic, balsamic | Herbal, vegetal, clean |
| Heat response | Releases smoke aroma | Infusion aroma |
| Daily consumability | No | Yes |
4. Solubility & Extraction Behavior
| Parameter | Resin | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Oil / alcohol / CO₂ | Water / alcohol / glycerin |
| Extraction method | Distillation, SFE, solvents | Infusion, decoction, extraction |
| Processing scale | Industrial / artisanal | Community / food-scale |
| Regulatory class | Controlled natural product | Food / herbal beverage |
5. Safety & Regulatory Classification
| Aspect | Resin | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Incense, perfume | Herbal tea |
| Food classification | ❌ Not food | ✅ Food / beverage |
| TESDA suitability | Limited | Highly suitable |
| FDA-PH pathway | Cosmetic / fragrance | Food category |
6. Functional Comparison (Training-Safe Language)
| Function | Resin | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural value | Ritual, luxury | Daily wellness beverage |
| Market positioning | High-end niche | Mass to premium herbal |
| Livelihood potential | Capital-intensive | Community-scalable |
| Sustainability score | Medium–low | High |
7. Key Teaching Insight (IMPORTANT)
Resin chemistry is stress-induced and aromatic.
Leaf chemistry is metabolic and nutritional.
This distinction explains why:
- Resin is not consumed
- Leaves are safe for tea when properly processed
- Leaf utilization supports sustainability and livelihoods
8. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
After this topic, learners can:
- Differentiate resin and leaf metabolite classes
- Explain why leaves are suitable for tea and extracts
- Select appropriate processing methods
- Communicate product differences responsibly
9. Regulatory-Safe Disclaimer
Metabolite profiles are presented for educational and scientific purposes only and do not imply medical or therapeutic use.
✅ Ideal For:
- TESDA CBLM modules
- Oud Academia science foundation courses
- Infographics: “Why leaves ≠ resin”
- Academic orientation for agarwood enterprises
If you want next, I can:
- Convert this into a one-page infographic layout
- Add simple chemical diagrams (non-lab)
- Create a trainer quiz & assessment
- Align this directly with your TESDA Form 2 competency mapping
Just say the word.