Semisynthetic Derivatives of Eugenol and their Biological Properties: A Fleeting Look at the Promising Molecules

Abstract

Phenolic phytochemicals are a broad class of nutraceuticals that originated from plants. Eugenol (4-hydroxy-2-methoxy phenol) is a phenolic component of essential oil and a major constituent of Eugenia caryophyllata belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Eugenol possesses diverse biological properties such as analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antigenotoxic activities. Eugenol also exhibits antidepressant, antiepileptic, neuroprotective, and anticancer activity. In this context, the semisynthetic derivative of eugenol is of biological interest concerning drug discovery from natural origin. This review article highlights the promising new molecules that are originated from eugenol during the last 15 years by semisynthetic modification.

Keywords:

• Eugenol
• eugenol derivatives
• semisynthesis
• biological properties
• chemistry of eugenol