What is Eugenol used for?

Eugenol (EUG) or 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, a phenyl propanoid having an allyl chain-substituted guaiacol, is a naturally occurring compound, has been reported to be present in several plant families including Holy basil or tulsi leaves (Lamiaceae), Eugenia caryophyllata (clove), Zingiber officinale (ginger), bark and leaves of Cinna momum verum (cinnamon), Curcuma longa (turmeric), and peppers (Solanaceae). 

Eugenol is a clear, colorless, or pale yellow liquid, and it has a strongly aromatic odor of clove, and a pungent, spicy taste. The major natural sources of Eugenol are Eugenia caryophyllata (syn Syzy gium aromaticum) which comprises 45-90% , and cinnamon has 20-50% of Eugenol.

Uses

Eugenol, the major constituent of clove oil, has been widely used for its anesthetic and analgesic action in dentistry. Eugenol exhibits pharmacological effects on almost all systems and it possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular properties. The pharma cological properties of Eugenol make it a versatile natural ingredient that helps in the prevention and cure of several disorders. 

Also as a naturally occurring molecule Eugenol has a large utilization in perfumery industry and food industry. The antiseptic property made its use in mouthwashes as a disinfectant and also complexed with tooth fillers due to its pain relieving, antiseptic, and analgesic properties . 

In agricultural practices, Eugenol have extensively been used as an insect attractant and even in pesticide production. 

Eugenol proven itself a versatile compound mainly due to its structure, complex formation.

Reference

[1] Pramod, K., Ansari, S. H., & Ali, J. (2010). Eugenol: a natural compound with versatile pharmacological actions. Natural Product Communications, 5 12, 1999–2006.

 [2] Nisar, M. F., Khadim, M., Rafiq, M., Chen, J., Yang, Y., & Wan, C. C. (2021). Pharmacological Properties and Health Benefits of Eugenol: A Comprehensive Review. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2497354. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/2497354 

[3] Marchese, A., Barbieri, R., Coppo, E., Orhan, I. E., Daglia, M., Nabavi, S. F., Izadi, M., Abdollahi, M., Nabavi, S. M., & Ajami, M. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of eugenol and essential oils containing eugenol: A mechanistic viewpoint. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 43 6, 668–689. https://doi.org/10.1080/1040841X.2017.1295225

You may like