The biological activity of eugenol, a major constituent of nutmeg (<i>Myristica fragrans</i>): Studies on prostaglandins, the intestine and other tissues

Bennett, A. B.; Stamford, I F; Tavares, Ignatius A.; Jacobs, Sandra; Capasso, Francesco; Mascolo, Nicola; Autore, Giuseppina; Romano, Veronica; Carlo, Giulia Di

doi:10.1002/ptr.2650020305

Cited by 39 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 17 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…4-Vinylguaiacol (4) (IC50 = 18 pM), which is an analogue of eugenol, was about half as potent as eugenol. Eugenol, a phenolic constituent of cloves (Syzygium aroma ticurn) arid nutmegs (Myristicafragrans), is a well-known inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis and also possesses anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (13)(14)(15). Eugenol and guaiacol are also reported to inhibit leukocyte chemotaxis and prevent the production of oxygen free-radicals by leukocytes (16).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Compounds Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis Isolated fromIpomoea pes-caprae

et al. 1991

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The crude extract (IPA) of the plant Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. showed an inhibitory effect on prostaglandin synthesis in vitro. Bioassay-guided separation of the extract led to the isolation of four active compounds: 2-hydroxy-4,4,7-trimethyl-1(4H)-naphthalenone (1), (-)-mellein (2), eugenol (3), and 4-vinyl-guaiacol (4). Among the isolated compounds, 3 and 4 were the most active with IC50 values of 9.2 and 18 microM, respectively. For 1 and 2 the IC50 values were 230 and 340 microM, respectively. The influence of 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the formation of prostaglandins may partly explain a previously observed anti-inflammatory effect of the extract IPA.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Compounds Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis Isolated fromIpomoea pes-caprae

et al. 1991

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“…The results of an in vivo study on rats demonstrated that eugenol reduced diarrhoea induced by castor oil, the tone of isolated gut muscle and myometrium, the rate of intestinal transit and the intestinal accumulation of fluid induced by PGE 2 [ 91 ]. In order to investigate some of the mechanisms involved in the spasmolytic and relaxant effects of eugenol, the effects of eugenol on contractions of isolated rat ileum induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) were studied.…”

Section: Other Pharmacological Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eugenol—From the Remote Maluku Islands to the International Market Place: A Review of a Remarkable and Versatile Molecule

2012

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Eugenol is a major volatile constituent of clove essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation of mainly Eugenia caryophyllata (=Syzygium aromaticum) buds and leaves. It is a remarkably versatile molecule incorporated as a functional ingredient in numerous products and has found application in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, fragrance, flavour, cosmetic and various other industries. Its vast range of pharmacological activities has been well-researched and includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and anticancer activities, amongst others. In addition, it is widely used in agricultural applications to protect foods from micro-organisms during storage, which might have an effect on human health, and as a pesticide and fumigant. As a functional ingredient, it is included in many dental preparations and it has also been shown to enhance skin permeation of various drugs. Eugenol is considered safe as a food additive but due to the wide range of different applications, extensive use and availability of clove oil, it is pertinent to discuss the general toxicity with special reference to contact dermatitis. This review summarises the pharmacological, agricultural and other applications of eugenol with specific emphasis on mechanism of action as well as toxicity data.

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“…Recently, the pharmacological actions of nutmeg have been examined, and demonstrated toxicity on the central nervous system (Edward et al. 1961;Payne, 1963) and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis (Rasheed et al, 1984;Bennet et al, 1988).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%