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Review
. 2012 May 25;17(6):6290-304.
doi: 10.3390/molecules17066290.

Antiproliferative and molecular mechanism of eugenol-induced apoptosis in cancer cells

Saravana Kumar Jaganathan  1 , Eko Supriyanto
Affiliations
Review

Antiproliferative and molecular mechanism of eugenol-induced apoptosis in cancer cells

Saravana Kumar Jaganathan et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Phenolic phytochemicals are a broad class of nutraceuticals found in plants which have been extensively researched by scientists for their health-promoting potential. One such a compound which has been comprehensively used is eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), which is the active component of Syzigium aromaticum (cloves). Aromatic plants like nutmeg, basil, cinnamon and bay leaves also contain eugenol. Eugenol has a wide range of applications like perfumeries, flavorings, essential oils and in medicine as a local antiseptic and anesthetic. Increasing volumes of literature showed eugenol possesses antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Molecular mechanism of eugenol-induced apoptosis in melanoma, skin tumors, osteosarcoma, leukemia, gastric and mast cells has been well documented. This review article will highlight the antiproliferative activity and molecular mechanism of the eugenol induced apoptosis against the cancer cells and animal models.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structure and sources of eugenol.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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