Eugenol sources, health benefits and uses
Monday, September 11, 2017 by Jhoanna Robinson
http://www.naturalpedia.com/eugenol-sources-health-benefits-and-uses.html
Cloves, which are the dried flower buds of the tropical tree Syzygium aromaticum, have once been used to preserve food rather than season it. Clove oil is made up of around 85 to 90 percent eugenol, which is the compound that makes it possible for cloves to hinder food from spoiling.
Eugenol, which manifests itself as a clear or pale yellow liquid and which owns a strong spicy smell, can also be obtained from cinnamon and other aromatic spices. It is somewhat soluble in water and fully soluble in organic solvents. It is a polyprophrene with the molecular formula C10H12O2, and is known by other names as allylguiacol, caryophillic acid, and eugenic acid.
Eugenol has its uses in the manufacture of vanillin, which is an artificial substitute for vanilla, as is the compound that is extracted from it – isoeugenol – which is an ingredient in the manufacture of vanillin.
The world of cosmetics has found in eugenol a fragrant additive and denaturant, and a unique ingredient of aftershave lotions, bath products, moisturizers, shampoos, soaps, and skin and hair products. Eugenol also has its uses as a flavoring agent.
Eugenol should not be taken in excessive amounts as overdose of the compound can cause abdominal pain, blood in cough and urine, burns in mouth and throat, coma, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and shallow and rapid breathing.
Medicinal uses for eugenol
Eugenol is good for the skin. Reports have shown its capability to heal sores and rashes; it may, however, not be put on open wounds.
Eugenol has antioxidant properties. As a very strong fat-soluble antioxidant, it prevents the accumulation of fat peroxide products in red blood cells and keeps the body’s antioxidant enzymes performing at optimum levels. Laboratory studies using animals show that even trace amounts of eugenol can suffice for a significant protective effect because eugenol can be diretcly incorporated into cell membranes, which inhibits lipid peroxidation right in place.
According to researchers, rats that were heavily poisoned with carbon tetrachloride and given eugenol were protected from carbon tetrachloride’s harmful effects.
Eugenol has antibacterial properties. In a study that was called “Eugenol (an essential oil of clove) acts as an antibacterial agent against Salmonella typhi by disrupting the cellular membrane”, it was found out that eugenol renders the bacteria completely inactive within 60 minutes of exposure.
Body systems supported by eugenol
Eugenol is good for oral health. It can be used as a local anesthetic for temporary relief from toothache pain. It is used in combination with zinc peroxide to form a filling in root canal treatment.
Where to learn more
- Cloves, a traditional Christmas spice with healing properties
- New Study Provides First Evidence That Natural Essential Oils Counteract Inflammation Caused By Polluted Air
- Substances in Cinnamon Affect Breast Cancer Cells
- Five all-natural remedies for treating toothaches
Summary
Eugenol is good for the skin.
Eugenol has antioxidant properties.
Eugenol is good for oral health.
Sources include:
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