Eugenol

An aromatic compound found in turmeric's rhizome and essential oil.

Eugenol is also found in many other herbs, spices, and vegetables, including allspice, artichoke, basil, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, mace, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, patchouli and rose oils, sassafras, vanilla, and witch hazel. Many of these are antioxidants and may have numerous health benefits as well, such as cancer prevention, stress relief, reducing cellulite, weight loss, and help for thinning hair.

• A powerful antioxidant, eugenol prevents DNA damage and has anticancer properties.
• Eugenol's anti-inflammatory activity includes inhibiting arachidonic acid — a building block of inflammatory prostaglandin molecules. It also blocks inflammatory LOX enzymes.
• Animal studies show eugenol inhibits colon cancer by blocking COX-2 enzyme activity.
• In the lab eugenol stops a transcription factor that promotes melanoma skin cancer cells. In animal studies, eugenol enhances the absorption of topical curcumin, also active against skin cancer.
• May help prevent dangerous clotting that can lead to stroke and heart attack.
• Can help counteract the free radical damage that contributes to Parkinson's disease. It also prevents dopamine depletion and raises levels of brain cell growth factors.
• Eugenol has antidepressant and antimicrobial properties.
• Eugenol is toxic to rats and has potent insecticidal properties against a number of different pests (such as termites and mosquitoes).
• Derivative eugenol compounds have anesthetic properties. These could be helpful in relieves pain from snake bites, toothaches, and neuropathy.