Eugenol as local anesthetic
Eugenol is an active ingredient of essential oil extracted from cloves and other herbs. Eugenol is used extensively in dentistry for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the pharmacological action of eugenol is only recently investigated. This chapter discusses eugenol’s abilities to modulate various ion channels that are responsible for nociception, generation of neuronal spikes, and synaptic transmission. Therapeutic use of eugenol as antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant agent is described and then followed by other aspects of eugenol such as cytotoxicity, insecticidal activity, allergic reaction, and olfactory response. In conclusion, eugenol is a versatile natural compound that has many potential uses in wide areas.
