Indian oud, also known as agarwood or agar, is a highly valued and aromatic resinous wood derived from the Aquilaria tree species found in several regions of India, including Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. The Aquilaria trees are native to various parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

The resinous wood of the Aquilaria tree develops as a result of a reaction to a fungal infection. When the tree is infected, it produces a resin to protect itself, and this resinous wood is commonly referred to as agarwood or oud. Indian oud is esteemed for its rich and complex fragrance, which is highly prized in perfumery and incense production.

The scent profile of Indian oud is typically described as deep, woody, earthy, and sometimes with hints of sweetness and spiciness. It has been used for centuries in traditional Indian perfumery, as well as in various spiritual and cultural practices. The fragrance of Indian oud is intense and long-lasting, making it a sought-after ingredient in luxury perfumes and attars (traditional Indian perfumes).

Indian oud is available in various forms, including essential oil, wood chips, and powdered forms. It is commonly used as a base note in perfumes, blending harmoniously with other aromatic ingredients. The oil is extracted from the resinous wood through a distillation process, and the resulting essential oil is highly concentrated and potent.

Due to its popularity and high demand, the production of Indian oud has faced challenges, primarily due to overharvesting and illegal logging of the Aquilaria trees. These factors have led to the depletion of natural agarwood resources and increased regulations to protect the species.

To meet the demand for oud, there are also synthetic alternatives available in the market. These synthetic oud fragrances attempt to replicate the scent of natural oud but are not derived from the resinous wood itself.

Overall, Indian oud holds cultural and aromatic significance in India and continues to be cherished for its captivating fragrance in perfumery and spiritual practices.