Page 316 - 2025中醫藥與天然藥物聯合學術研討會-中醫藥與天然藥物的挑戰Ｘ機遇與未來大會手冊

TC-01

Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of aroma induction in

Aquilaria crassna

2
1
,1
#,1
Cheng Tsai-Ying Hu, Chen, Hsin-Chun, Meng-Shiou Lee, Ming-Kuem Lin*

1 Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College
of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, North Dist.,
Taichung 40402, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
2 Department of Cosmeceutics, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 100, Jingmao
1st Road., Beitun Dist., Taichung 406040, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
* E-mail: linmk@mail.cmu.edu.tw

Abstract
Aquilaria crassna, a key agarwood-producing species, is highly valued in traditional
medicine and perfumery for its aromatic compounds and cultural significance. However, natural
agarwood formation is slow and unsustainable. To explore a sustainable alternative to
traditional agarwood production, we aimed to establish a leaf-based callus culture system and
promote the biosynthesis of agarwood-related aromatic compounds. In this study, A. crassna
leaves were used for callus induction via plant tissue culture. By testing different ratios of NAA
and 6-BA, we established the optimal condition for callus induction, which was then applied in
liquid culture to produce agarwood-related aromatic compounds. GC-MS analysis revealed the
highest diversity of compounds at 5 weeks, including sesquiterpenes, such as β-elemene, trans-
caryophyllene, α-guaiene, and α-humulene, as well as other aromatic compounds. These
compounds are of interest for their potential roles in traditional medicine and complementary
therapies. Transcriptome sequencing and de novo assembly were performed, and transcripts
were mapped to functional pathways, revealing activation of genes associated with tissue repair
and metabolic processes. Differentially expressed genes and pathway enrichment analyses
confirmed the involvement of genes in secondary metabolite pathways, supporting the
biosynthesis of aroma compounds. Overall, this study highlights the potential of A. crassna
callus metabolism research, paving the way for advances in secondary metabolite induction and
future applications in medicine, aromatherapy, and complementary therapies.

Keywords: Aquilaria crassna; Callus induction; Aromatic compounds; Transcriptome analysis;
Secondary metabolites