Review Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Comprehensive Overview of Eugenol: Focusing on Sources, Structure, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanisms of Action, Safety Profile, and Applications

Received: 12 June 2025     Accepted: 26 June 2025     Published: 13 September 2025
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Eugenol is a natural occurring phenylpropanoid that is primarily derived from clove oil. It’s known to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects such as, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. Its therapeutic action are mediated through various molecular mechanisms, such as the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, regulation of oxidative stress, induction of apoptosis, and prevention of tumor metastasis. However, despite its promised clinical benefits as a bioactive compound, its clinical potential faces limitation due to the poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability and dose dependent toxicity. Nevertheless, recent advancements in the field of drug delivery systems particularly Micro/Nano-formulations through encapsulation techniques offer potential solutions to these limitations. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of eugenol, aiming on its natural sources, chemical structure, pharmacological properties, and mechanisms of action, safety considerations, current applications, recent advancements and future perspectives for eugenol as multifunctional bioactive compound potential.

Published in Journal of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry (Volume 11, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11
Page(s) 39-47
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Drug Delivery, Eugenol and Toxicity

1. Introduction
Natural products have long served as crucial sources of therapeutic agents, with a wide array of plant-derived bioactive compounds forming the foundation of modern drug discovery and development. Among these, phenolic compounds have drawn significant attention due to their broad pharmacological activities and generally low toxicity . One such compound is eugenol, an allylbenzene derivative predominantly found in clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) and present in other aromatic plants such as Ocimum gratissimum (African basil), Cinnamomum species (cinnamon), and Laurus nobilis (bay leaf) .
Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is known for its distinctive spicy aroma and has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for relieving toothaches, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues . In contemporary pharmacology, eugenol has been widely studied for its diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anticancer effects . These multifaceted actions are largely attributed to its phenolic structure, which enables it to interact with various cellular targets, modulate oxidative stress, and influence inflammatory signaling pathways.
Beyond its medicinal value, eugenol is also extensively used in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries as a flavoring agent, preservative, pesticide, and active component in dental care products . However, despite its broad utility, several limitations including low aqueous solubility, volatility, and dose-dependent toxicity have restricted its clinical and industrial applications. These challenges underscore the need for improved formulation strategies and a clearer understanding of its safety profile . This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of eugenol, focusing on its natural sources, chemical structure, pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, safety considerations, current applications, recent advancements and also highlights its future perspectives for optimizing eugenol’s potential as a multifunctional bioactive compound.
2. Natural Sources of Eugenol
Eugenol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound and a key secondary metabolite found in the essential oils of various aromatic plants. It contributes significantly to both the aroma and medicinal properties of these plants. The primary natural source of eugenol is the clove plant (Syzygium aromaticum), particularly in its dried flower buds and essential oil. Depending on factors such as harvest time, extraction technique, and geographic origin, clove essential oil can contain between 70% - 90% eugenol . In addition to cloves, eugenol is also present in substantial amounts in several other plant species, including:
Basil (Ocimum spp.): Species such as Ocimum gratissimum (African basil) and Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) are rich in eugenol and are commonly used in traditional African and Asian medicine. Eugenol is a principal component of their essential oils .
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.): Both Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) and C. cassia contain eugenol, particularly in the bark and leaf oils. However, cinnamaldehyde remains the dominant compound in the bark .
Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis): Commonly used for culinary and medicinal purposes, bay leaf essential oil contains moderate levels of eugenol alongside other volatiles such as cineole and myrcene .
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): The volatile oil from nutmeg seeds contains small amounts of eugenol, though at significantly lower concentrations than those found in clove or basil .
Pimenta Species: Pimenta dioica (allspice) and Pimenta racemosa (bay rum tree) are additional sources, particularly in Caribbean herbal medicine and essential oil formulations . These plant species are not only significant from a pharmacological standpoint but also have economic importance in the culinary, cosmetic, and agricultural sectors due to the versatility of eugenol-rich oils. The variation in eugenol content among species and even among different parts of the same plant (buds, leaves, bark) highlights the necessity for standardized extraction methods and quality control in the production of eugenol-based products .
3. Chemical Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Eugenol
Eugenol is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₁₂O₂ and a molecular weight of 164.20 g/mol. Structurally, Eugenol has a benzene ring substituted with three distinct functional groups namely hydroxyl group (-OH), a methoxy group (-OCH₃), and an allyl side chain (-CH₂CH=CH₂). The structurally conformations play a crucial role in its bioactivities wide-range. The hydroxyl group positioned at the ortho position comparative to the methoxy group contributes significantly to its antioxidant properties, while the allyl chain enhances its lipophilicity and membrane permeability, aiding its biological efficacy .
Figure 1. Structure of Eugenol.
Eugenol is characterized as a pale yellow, oily liquid with a pleasant clove-like aroma with a boiling point of 254°C approximately, a melting point of −7.5°C, and a density of 1.06 g/cm³ at 25°C. Eugenol is slightly water soluble but readily dissolves in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform. These physicochemical attributes make eugenol suitable for a wide range of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products formulations .
Table 1. Physicochemical Properties.

Property

Value/Description

Molecular formula

C₁₀H₁₂O₂

Molecular weight

164.20 g/mol

Appearance

Pale yellow to colourless liquid

Odor

Spicy, clove-like aroma

Boiling point

~254°C

Melting point

-7.5°C

Density

1.06 g/cm³ at 25°C

Solubility in water

Slightly soluble (~2.46 g/L at 25°C)

Solubility in organic solvents

Soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, and oils

Log P (octanol-water)

~2.27 (moderate lipophilicity)

pKa (phenolic OH group)

~10.2

Due to its moderate lipophilicity, eugenol exhibits good permeability across lipid membranes, contributing to its rapid absorption and wide distribution in biological systems. However, its low water solubility and volatility can limit its bioavailability and stability in aqueous-based formulations, which has prompted interest in nanoencapsulation and emulsification techniques to improve its delivery and efficacy .
The structural simplicity of eugenol also allows for various chemical modifications aimed at enhancing its pharmacokinetic properties or reducing potential cytotoxic effects. These include the synthesis of eugenol derivatives such as esters, ethers, and metal complexes, which are under investigation for enhanced antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities .
4. Eugenol Biological Activities
4.1. Antioxidant Properties
Eugenol has antioxidant potential due to its ability to neutralize free radicals and protect cells against oxidative damage. Its phenolic hydroxyl group donates hydrogen atoms to stabilize reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby breaking the chain reactions associated with lipid peroxidation and cellular damage . Studies have shown that eugenol demonstrates significant radical scavenging activity in assays such as 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), which often outstand the synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Also, eugenol helps safeguard the cell membranes by averting the membrane lipids peroxidation, limiting its application in disease prevention and health promotion .
4.2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Eugenol exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms. It effectively suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines like Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Inter-leukemia 1 beta (IL-1β), and Inter-leukemia 6 (IL-6) . Furthermore, eugenol down regulates the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reducing the levels of prostaglandins and nitric oxide that typically fuel inflammation.
Mechanistically, eugenol interferes with key intracellular signaling pathways, particularly nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), both play essential roles in the transcriptional regulation of genes inflammatory. In vivo studies, including carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing models in mice, have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain . These properties recommend it’s potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent with less side effects compared to conventional drugs.
4.3. Antimicrobial Properties
4.3.1. Antibacterial Activity
Eugenol exhibits broad-spectrum of antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The mechanism of action involves disorderly cell membrane of bacterial, resulting to the increased in permeability and outflow of intracellular fluids. This often follow by inhibition of critical enzymatic pathways required for survival and replication of bacterial . Its efficacy has been particularly remarkable against resistant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
4.3.2. Antifungal Activity
Eugenol also has strong antifungal activity by targeting the membrane and cell wall of pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. It inhibits biosynthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal membranes, leading to conceded viability of a cell and growth inhibition.
4.3.3. Antiviral Activity
Although less widely researched, eugenol has revealed promised antiviral agent. Research result shown that eugenol can inhibit viral entry and replication in infections caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Influenza A virus . This shown another breaks through for further examination into its potential as antiviral broad-spectrum compound.
4.4. Analgesic and Anesthetic Properties
For long now, Eugenol has been used for its analgesic and local anesthetic properties, particularly in dentistry. The mechanisms involved blocking the sodium channels voltage-gated, resulting in the inhibition of the propagation of nerve impulses that convey pain sensations . The local anesthetics like lidocaine mode of action is similar to that of analgesic. These effects have been backed up by in-vivo studies, demonstrating the reduction of pains chemically induced nociception, such as acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking .
Applications and Limitations
As a result of eugenol efficacy and safety profile, eugenol is commonly used in dental preparations and topical analgesics while excessive or prolonged use may cause adverse side reactions, like cytotoxicity, mucosal irritation, and allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Therefore, dosage formulation and management plans are vital to exploit its therapeutic benefits while reducing the risks .
4.5. Anticancer Properties
Eugenol has gained considerable attention as a natural anticancer agent due to its ability to trigger apoptosis, cell proliferation inhibition, and metastasis suppress in various cancer types. These effects are generally mediated through modulation of oxidative stress, cell cycle disruption, and both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways activation .
4.5.1. Mechanisms of Action
Eugenol fights cancer through several mechanisms:
Induction of Apoptosis: Eugenol activates enzymes like caspase, particularly caspases-3 and -9 and potential mitochondrial membrane disrupts, leading to programmed cell death.
Cell Cycle Arrest: Eugenol also down regulates cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), halting cell cycle progression at either the phase G0/G1 or G2/M phase .
Inhibition of Metastasis and Angiogenesis: eugenol suppresses matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thus delaying tumor spread and formation of new blood vessel .
Oxidative Stress Modulation: eugenol also shows antioxidant protection in normal cells while promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cancer cells to induce cytotoxicity, .
4.5.2. Synergistic Effects with Chemotherapeutic Agents
Eugenol has been studied to boost the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil. By reducing drug resistance and enhancing apoptosis, it also shows a complementary therapy in cancer treatment .
4.6. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Eugenol exhibits robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, making it a valuable compound for managing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress-related conditions. These effects are largely due to its phenolic structure, which enables free radical scavenging and modulation of inflammatory pathways .
4.6.1. Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Eugenol reduces inflammation through several biochemical actions:
Enzyme Inhibition: Suppresses COX-2, LOX, and iNOS enzymes, thereby limiting the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and nitric oxide .
Suppression of Cytokine: pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels decreases .
NF-κB Pathway Downregulation: Inhibitions of the NF-κB signaling pathways, the major transcriptional regulator of inflammatory genes .
4.6.2. Antioxidant Activity
Antioxidant activity of Eugenol come from its ability to freely give hydrogen atoms to neutralized reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide . It has demonstrated strong antioxidant activity assays like DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. Moreover, eugenol protects biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative damage by preventing lipid peroxidation .
4.6.3. Biomedical Implications
Eugenol has being discovered for managing oxidative stress diseases, like cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic syndrome . It also has adjunct potential in anti-inflammatory therapies, especially when combined with other phytochemicals or pharmaceuticals.
4.6.4. Antimicrobial Properties
Eugenol has wide antimicrobial activity spectrum, targeting bacteria, fungi, and viruses effectively. Eugenol lipophilic phenolic structure permits it to disrupt microbial membranes, interfere with metabolic processes, and inhibit essential enzymes .
4.6.5. Antibacterial Activity
Eugenol is effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species:
Disruption of Membrane: membrane permeability Increases, leading to seepage of cellular contents .
Intracellular Interference: DNA and proteins Binds to intracellular membranes, resulting to the inhibition of replication and protein synthesis .
Anti-biofilm Activity: quorum sensing and biofilm formation in resistant strains like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Inhibitions . Eugenol MIC Reported values range between 0.02-0.5 mg/mL against E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus .
4.6.6. Antifungal Activity
Eugenol is particularly effective against fungal pathogens such as Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus:
Membrane Targeting: Interactions with ergosterol, disrupt the fungal membrane veracity .
Morphological Inhibition: Blocks hyphae and germ tube formation factors in fungal virulence .
Gene Suppression Expression: Reduces production of virulence enzymes like secreted aspartyl proteases. Additionally, eugenol enhances the efficacy of antifungals like fluconazole in resistant infections .
4.6.7. Antiviral Activity
Although, the antiviral activity is less studied extensively, eugenol has shown a promising antiviral activity, particularly against enveloped viruses:
Disruption of Envelope: Destroys viral envelopes or blocks viral entry into host cells.
Replication Inhibition: Suppresses replication of viral, as observed in the studies with herpes simplex virus (HSV) and influenza virus . These findings backed its potential as a multi-target antimicrobial agent.
4.7. Neuroprotective and Analgesic Activities
Eugenol also demonstrates significant neuroprotective and analgesic properties, highlighting its potential in treating neurological disorders and managing pain. These effects are mediated through antioxidant mechanisms, ion channel modulation, and inhibition of neuro-inflammation.
4.7.1. Neuroprotective Effects
Eugenol safeguards neurons from oxidative and excitotoxic injury by:
Neutralizing ROS: Reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, preserving neuronal function and viability .
Inhibiting Glutamate Toxicity: Protects against glutamate-induced neurodegeneration, an important factor in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease .
Modulating Neurotransmission: GABAergic enhances activity while suppressing excitatory signals . In vivo studies report an improvements in memory and cognitive performance following eugenol treatment in aged or chemically challenged animals .
4.7.2. Analgesic Effects
Traditionally used for dental pain, eugenol’s analgesic activity is well established:
Ion Channel Blockade: Inhibits sodium channels voltage-gated and TRPV1 receptors, dampening nerve signal transmission .
Anti-inflammatory Action: Reduces production of pain-inducing mediators such as prostaglandins and nitric oxide .
Synergistic Pain Relief: Enhances the effectiveness of opioids and NSAIDs without significantly increasing toxicity . In vivo studies has confirm eugenol’s ability to relieve thermal, chemical, and mechanical pain.
4.8. Anticancer Activities
Eugenol, a natural compound found in clove and other aromatic plants, has drawn increasing attention for its ability to fight cancer. Studies have shown that it acts on cancer cells in several powerful ways by triggering cell death, halting their growth, and even stopping them from spreading.
4.8.1. Inducing Cancer Cell Death (Apoptosis)
One of the most important ways eugenol works is by initiating apoptosis, the programmed death of cancer cells through:
Activating key death pathways inside cells, including changes in mitochondrial function and the release of molecules like cytochrome c that kick-start the death process .
Increasing oxidative stress in cancer cells by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage selectively to these abnormal cells .
Balancing cell survival and death proteins, reducing the levels of anti-death (Bcl-2) proteins while boosting pro-death (Bax) signals .
4.8.2. Blocking Cancer Cell Growth (Cell Cycle Arrest)
Eugenol also stops cancer cells from multiplying by interfering with their cell cycle, the process by which cells grow and divide. It primarily arrests cells at the G0/G1 and G2/M phases by:
Disrupting the activity of cyclins and CDKs, the proteins that drive the cell cycle forward .
Activating the tumor suppressor p53, a key guardian of the genome that helps pause cell division to allow repair or trigger death if damage is too great .
4.8.3. Preventing Cancer Spread (Anti-Metastatic Effects)
Cancer’s ability to spread makes it especially dangerous. Eugenol helps to reduce this risk by:
Inhibiting enzymes like MMP-2 and MMP-9, which break down the extracellular matrix and allow cancer to invade new tissues .
Blocking epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that gives cancer cells the mobility they need to spread throughout the body .
4.8.4. Synergistic Effects
Eugenol has also shown promise when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. It can:
Make cancer cells more responsive to treatment, even those that have developed resistance .
Lower the amount of chemotherapy needed, which could help reduce side effects .
Table 2. Summarized the biological activities and corresponding mechanisms of Eugenol.

Biological Activity

Mechanism of Action

Anticancer

Induces apoptosis via caspase-3 activation; modulates p53, Bax/Bcl-2 expression; arrests cell cycle (G0/G1 or G2/M phases); inhibits angiogenesis

Antioxidant

Scavenges free radicals (e.g., DPPH, superoxide); donates hydrogen atoms; upregulates antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD, CAT, GPx)

Anti-inflammatory

Inhibits COX-2 and LOX enzymes; suppresses NF-κB signaling; reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6)

Antimicrobial

Disrupts microbial cell membranes; causes leakage of cellular contents; inhibits enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis

Antifungal

Damages fungal cell membranes; inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis; disrupts mitochondrial functions

Antiviral

Interferes with viral envelope integrity; inhibits viral replication enzymes

Neuroprotective

Reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress; inhibits AChE; improves mitochondrial function and synaptic plasticity

Hepatoprotective

Reduces lipid peroxidation; enhances glutathione levels; stabilizes liver enzymes (ALT, AST)

Cardioprotective

Inhibits lipid peroxidation; improves lipid profile; suppresses inflammatory markers in cardiac tissue

Antidiabetic

Enhances insulin sensitivity; inhibits α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes; modulates glucose transport and metabolism

Anesthetic

Acts on peripheral nerve endings; blocks ion channels (Na⁺/K⁺) and prevents nerve conduction

Analgesic

Inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels and TRPV1 receptors; modulates prostaglandin synthesis

4.9. Safety and Toxicity Profile
The eugenol is generally consider safe and widely used in foods, cosmetics, and dental care products at low concentrations, the effects may vary depending on the dosage, method of using, and formulation.
4.9.1. Toxicity Studies
Short-term exposure: Eugenol is generally tolerated in animals, with relatively high LD50 values (1,000-3,000 mg/kg), therefore it is required in large doses to be lethal .
Long-term use: Prolonged or high-dose exposure may cause harm to the liver or kidneys, as eugenol increased liver enzymes and tissue changes . This feature is importance for accurate dosing.
Allergic reactions: Eugenol can cause skin sensitivity and allergic contact dermatitis, especially with undiluted use or repeated exposure . It may also irritate mucous membranes.
4.9.2. Cancer Risk and Genetic Safety
Research on whether eugenol can damage DNA or cause mutations has shown mixed results. Where some lab tests results suggested weak mutagenic activity at high concentrations, studies in living organisms generally show no cancer-causing potential . Eugenol is not classified as a carcinogen by regulatory authorities.
4.9.3. Metabolizing of Eugenol
Once eugenol is ingested or absorbed, is quickly processed by the liver, where it’s conjugated with glucuronic acid or sulfate and then excreted in urine . When it is breakdown to products, there typically become less harmful than the in whole compound form.
4.9.4. Regulatory and Legal Approval
Regulatory agencies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and U.S. Food Development Agencies, allow the use of eugenol in flavorings and dental products within defined limits . However, involving eugenol in medicinal products applications requires thorough safety assessments.
5. Conclusion and Future Perspectives
Eugenol is a naturally occurring compound with a wide range of health benefits. From fighting inflammation and infections to protecting the nervous system and even combating cancer, it works through multiple biological pathways making it a strong candidate for therapeutic use. However, despite its potential, there are several challenges Eugenol faces, such as low water solubility, rapid metabolism, and narrow margin between effective and toxic doses have limited its clinical usage. To overcome these barriers, researchers are exploring different advanced delivery systems like microcapsules, nanoparticles, and Nano-emulsions to improve stability, absorption, and targeted action.
Future research should focus on the human based toxicological studies for better understanding of the safety dosage limits, running clinical trials to validate its effectiveness across different diseases, Developing smarter formulations that deliver eugenol where it’s needed, while minimizing side effects and Exploring combinations of eugenol with other natural products or drugs for enhanced effects. Given its natural origin, affordability, and wide biological actions ranges, eugenol has the potential to play a key role in future pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic innovations. With the right research and development, it could solved the medical leaps from traditional uses to modern medical applications.
Abbreviations

ABTS

2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate

BHT

Butylated Hydroxytoluene

CAT

Catalase

CDKs

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases

COX-2

Cyclooxygenase-2

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DPPH

2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl

EFSA

European Food Safety Authority

EMT

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

FDA

Food and Drug Administration (U.S.)

FRAP

Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power

GABA

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

GPx

Glutathione Peroxidase

GRAS

Generally Recognized as Safe

HSV

Herpes Simplex Virus

IC50

Half-Maximal Inhibitory Concentration

IL-1β

Interleukin-1 beta

IL-6

Interleukin-6

iNOS

Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

LD50

Lethal Dose (for 50% of test organisms)

LOX

Lipoxygenase

LPS

Lipopolysaccharide

MAPK

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase

MIC

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

MMP-2 / MMP-9

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 / -9

MMPs

Matrix Metalloproteinases

MPO

Myeloperoxidase

NF-κB

Nuclear Factor-kappa B

NO

Nitric Oxide

NSAIDs

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

pKa

Acid Dissociation Constant

ROS

Reactive Oxygen Species

SOD

Superoxide Dismutase

TNF-α

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

TRPV1

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1

VEGF

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

ZOE

Zinc Oxide-Eugenol

Author Contributions
Ahmad Umar Faruq: Resources, Writing – review & editing
Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim: Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
[1] Cowan, M. M. (1999). Plant products as antimicrobial agents. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 12(4), 564-582.
[2] Silva, F., Ferreira, S., Queiroz, J. A., & Domingues, F. C. (2012). Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil: Its antibacterial activity and mode of action evaluated by flow cytometry. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 61(11), 1479-1486.
[3] Chaieb, K., Hajlaoui, H., Zmantar, T., Kahla-Nakbi, A. B., Rouabhia, M., Mahdouani, K., & Bakhrouf, A. (2007). The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): A short review. Phytotherapy Research, 21(6), 501-506.
[4] Marchese, A., Orhan, I. E., Daglia, M., Barbieri, R., Di Lorenzo, A., Nabavi, S. F., & Nabavi, S. M. (2017). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of thymol: A brief review of the literature. Food Chemistry, 210, 402-414.
[5] Kamatou, G. P., Vermaak, I., & Viljoen, A. M. (2012). Eugenol from the remote Maluku Islands to the international market place: A review of a remarkable and versatile molecule. Molecules, 17(6), 6953-6981.
[6] Pramod, K., Ansari, S. H., & Ali, J. (2010). Eugenol: A natural compound with versatile pharmacological actions. Natural Product Communications, 5(12), 1999-2006.
[7] Devi, K. P., Nisha, S. A., Sakthivel, R., & Pandian, S. K. (2010). Eugenol (an essential oil of clove) acts as an antibacterial agent against Salmonella typhi by disrupting the cellular membrane. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 130(1), 107-115.
[8] Sung, W. S., & Lee, D. G. (2014). The combination effect of eugenol with berberine on Candida albicans growth and inhibition of biofilm formation. Mycobiology, 42(1), 47-51.
[9] Vieira, R. F., & Simon, J. E. (2000). Chemical characterization of basil (Ocimum spp.) found in the markets and used in traditional medicine in Brazil. Economic Botany, 54(2), 207-216.
[10] Jayaprakasha, G. K., & Rao, L. J. M. (2011). Chemistry, biogenesis, and biological activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 51(6), 547-562.
[11] Marino, M., Bersani, C., & Comi, G. (2001). Impedance measurements to study the antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Lamiaceae and Compositae. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 67(3), 187-195.
[12] Zheng, W., Wang, S. Y., & Wang, Y. (1992). Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in selected herbs. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49(11), 5165-5170.
[13] Donsì, F., Annunziata, M., Sessa, M., & Ferrari, G. (2011). Nanoencapsulation of essential oils to enhance their antimicrobial activity in foods. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 44(9), 1908-1914.
[14] Nagababu, E., & Lakshmaiah, N. (1995). Inhibitory effect of eugenol on non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. Biochemistry International, 27(4), 659-668.
[15] Gulcin, I. (2011). Antioxidant activity of eugenol: A structure-activity relationship study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 14(9), 975-985.
[16] Daniel, A. N., Sartoretto, S. M., Schmidt, G., Caparroz-Assef, S. M., Bersani-Amado, C. A., & Cuman, R. K. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of eugenol essential oil in experimental animal models. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 19(1B), 212-217.
[17] Ravichandran, M., Sumantran, V. N., Tamhankar, S., & Kulkarni, M. (2017). Eugenol exhibits anti-biofilm activity by targeting virulence factors in multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 123(1), 190-203.
[18] Ahmad, A., Khan, A., Khan, L. A., & Manzoor, N. (2010). Antifungal activity of eugenol and cinnamaldehyde against Candida albicans and their synergism with amphotericin B. Phytomedicine, 17(5), 409-412.
[19] Benencia, F., & Courrèges, M. C. (2000). In vitro and in vivo activity of eugenol on human herpesvirus. Phytotherapy Research, 14(7), 495-500.
[20] Park, S. H., Sim, Y. B., Lee, J. K., Kim, S. M., & Suh, H. W. (2011). Antinociceptive profiles and mechanisms of orally administered eugenol in mice. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 34(3), 501-507.
[21] Manikandan, P., Vinothini, G., Nagaraj, G., & Nagini, S. (2010). Eugenol inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in a rat model of gastric carcinogenesis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(30), 3820-3827.
[22] Ghosh, R., Nadiminty, N., Fitzpatrick, J. E., Alworth, W. L., & Chendil, D. (2005). Eugenol causes melanoma growth suppression through inhibition of E2F1 transcriptional activity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 280(7), 5812-5819.
[23] Yoo, C. B., Han, K. T., Cho, K. S., Ha, J., Park, H. J., Nam, J. H., & Lee, K. T. (2005). Eugenol isolated from the essential oil of Eugenia caryophyllata induces apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Cancer Letters, 225(1), 41-52.
[24] Ahmad, A., Sakr, W. A., & Rahman, K. M. (2011). Anticancer properties of eugenol: A review. Current Drug Targets, 12(11), 1560-1566.
[25] Prashar, A., Locke, I. C., & Evans, C. S. (2006). Cytotoxicity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil and its major components to human skin cells. Cell Proliferation, 39(4), 241-248.
[26] Hyldgaard, M., Mygind, T., & Meyer, R. L. (2012). Essential oils in food preservation: Mode of action, synergies, and interactions with food matrix components. Frontiers in Microbiology, 3, 12.
[27] Chung, P. Y., Chung, L. Y., Navaratnam, P., & Sekaran, S. D. (2016). Synergistic antimicrobial activity between pentacyclic triterpenoids and antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains. Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, 15(1), 1-6.
[28] Raut, J. S., Shinde, R. B., Chauhan, N. M., Karuppayil, S. M. (2010). Terpenoids of Cymbopogon flexuosus exhibit anti-Candida activity through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Journal de Mycologie Médicale, 20(3), e101-e107.
[29] Pinto, E., Vale-Silva, L., Cavaleiro, C., & Salgueiro, L. (2009). Antifungal activity of the clove essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum on Candida, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58(11), 1454-1462.
[30] Zore, G. B., Thakre, A. D., Jadhav, S., Karuppayil, S. M. (2011). Terpenoids inhibit Candida albicans growth by affecting membrane integrity and arrest of cell cycle. Phytomedicine, 18(13), 1181-1190.
[31] Rahman, H., Eswaraiah, M. C., Dutta, A. M., & Chakraborty, R. (2014). Neuroprotective activity of eugenol against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in SH-SY5Y cell line. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 5(11), 4730-4736.
[32] Jin, X., Zhang, L., Zhang, Y., Liu, Z., & Li, X. (2013). Neuroprotective effect of eugenol against aluminum chloride-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rats. International Journal of Neuroscience, 123(6), 409-417.
[33] Kumar, M., Dhingra, M. S., & Kulkarni, S. K. (2013). Neuroprotective potential of eugenol against scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress in mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 106, 84-90.
[34] Shanmugam, M. K., Rajendran, P., Li, F., & Kumar, A. P. (2011). Targeting cell signaling and apoptotic pathways by eugenol for cancer prevention and therapy. Cancer Letters, 313(2), 112-123.
[35] Park, J. H., Lee, J. M., & Hong, M. K. (2014). Eugenol induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human leukemia cells via mitochondrial pathway. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 37(3), 1184-1191.
[36] Kaur, R., Sharma, S., & Sharma, S. (2015). Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in human breast cancer cells by eugenol. Phytotherapy Research, 29(5), 748-755.
[37] Amaral, A. C. F., Fernandes, G. S., Carvalho, F. G., Lima, A. C., Silva, M. S., & Ferreira, E. A. (2015). Eugenol induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. European Journal of Pharmacology, 748, 27-35.
[38] Kakar, S. S., Singh, V. K., & Soni, V. K. (2014). Inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis by eugenol in cancer models: A systematic review. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 15(7), 943-951.
[39] Ahmad, S., Iqbal, Z., Almatroudi, A., & Alwasel, S. H. (2017). Eugenol suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells via inhibition of Akt and NF-κB pathways. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 433(1-2), 11-22.
[40] Rao, A., Parimala, D., & Ramachandra, C. T. (2013). Acute toxicity study of eugenol in Wistar rats. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 4(7), 2730-2734.
[41] Benedec, D., Oniga, I., Kopp, B., & Crișan, G. (2016). Toxicological evaluation of eugenol: Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats. Toxicology Reports, 3, 654-661.
[42] Sharma, N., Gupta, A., & Saini, V. (2018). Allergic contact dermatitis due to eugenol: A review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 63(6), 467-471.
[43] Hayashi, M., Itoh, S., & Itoh, T. (2012). Evaluation of genotoxicity of eugenol using the Ames test and micronucleus assay. Mutation Research, 750(1-2), 62-67.
[44] Gupta, P., Bansal, P., & Kumar, A. (2015). Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of eugenol: A review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 104(6), 1864-1873.
[45] EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). (2016). Scientific opinion on the safety of eugenol as a flavouring substance. EFSA Journal, 14(7), 1-20.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Faruq, A. U., Ibrahim, I. M. (2025). Comprehensive Overview of Eugenol: Focusing on Sources, Structure, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanisms of Action, Safety Profile, and Applications. Journal of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry, 11(3), 39-47. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Faruq, A. U.; Ibrahim, I. M. Comprehensive Overview of Eugenol: Focusing on Sources, Structure, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanisms of Action, Safety Profile, and Applications. J. Drug Des. Med. Chem. 2025, 11(3), 39-47. doi: 10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Faruq AU, Ibrahim IM. Comprehensive Overview of Eugenol: Focusing on Sources, Structure, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanisms of Action, Safety Profile, and Applications. J Drug Des Med Chem. 2025;11(3):39-47. doi: 10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11,
      author = {Ahmad Umar Faruq and Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim},
      title = {Comprehensive Overview of Eugenol: Focusing on Sources, Structure, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanisms of Action, Safety Profile, and Applications
    },
      journal = {Journal of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry},
      volume = {11},
      number = {3},
      pages = {39-47},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jddmc.20251103.11},
      abstract = {Eugenol is a natural occurring phenylpropanoid that is primarily derived from clove oil. It’s known to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects such as, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. Its therapeutic action are mediated through various molecular mechanisms, such as the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, regulation of oxidative stress, induction of apoptosis, and prevention of tumor metastasis. However, despite its promised clinical benefits as a bioactive compound, its clinical potential faces limitation due to the poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability and dose dependent toxicity. Nevertheless, recent advancements in the field of drug delivery systems particularly Micro/Nano-formulations through encapsulation techniques offer potential solutions to these limitations. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of eugenol, aiming on its natural sources, chemical structure, pharmacological properties, and mechanisms of action, safety considerations, current applications, recent advancements and future perspectives for eugenol as multifunctional bioactive compound potential.
    },
     year = {2025}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Comprehensive Overview of Eugenol: Focusing on Sources, Structure, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanisms of Action, Safety Profile, and Applications
    
    AU  - Ahmad Umar Faruq
    AU  - Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim
    Y1  - 2025/09/13
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11
    DO  - 10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11
    T2  - Journal of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
    JF  - Journal of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
    JO  - Journal of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
    SP  - 39
    EP  - 47
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2472-3576
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jddmc.20251103.11
    AB  - Eugenol is a natural occurring phenylpropanoid that is primarily derived from clove oil. It’s known to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects such as, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. Its therapeutic action are mediated through various molecular mechanisms, such as the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, regulation of oxidative stress, induction of apoptosis, and prevention of tumor metastasis. However, despite its promised clinical benefits as a bioactive compound, its clinical potential faces limitation due to the poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability and dose dependent toxicity. Nevertheless, recent advancements in the field of drug delivery systems particularly Micro/Nano-formulations through encapsulation techniques offer potential solutions to these limitations. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of eugenol, aiming on its natural sources, chemical structure, pharmacological properties, and mechanisms of action, safety considerations, current applications, recent advancements and future perspectives for eugenol as multifunctional bioactive compound potential.
    
    VL  - 11
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information