2025-10-07
Eugenol: clove against cancer?
Oncology
By Ana Espino | Published on october 7, 2025 | 3 min read
#Oncology #Eugenol #Phenol
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Despite progress in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, current treatments often remain toxic, costly, and associated with a reduced quality of life. The main challenge, therefore, is to discover safer anticancer agents that can effectively target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues.
In this context, eugenol, a natural phenolic compound derived from clove (Syzygium aromaticum), has generated growing interest. With antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties, it appears to be a promising candidate for the development of alternative anticancer therapies.
This study aimed to highlight the mechanisms of action of eugenol, its molecular targets, pharmacological profile, and current limitations in view of possible clinical applications.
Among the studies analyzed, a large selection of in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical research was included, focusing on the evaluation of eugenol’s effects on various types of cancer—particularly breast, colon, prostate, lung, liver, skin, and oral tumors. The selected research was chosen for its experimental quality, including analyses of molecular mechanisms of action, involved signaling pathways, as well as pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters.
The results show that eugenol inhibits tumor proliferation by modulating the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, p53) and reducing that of survival genes (Bcl-2, survivin). It induces mitochondrial apoptosis, blocks cell cycle progression, and inhibits signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPK, all of which play major roles in tumor progression.
Eugenol also affects cell migration, angiogenesis, and sensitizes certain cancer cells to conventional treatments. Moreover, eugenol displays a favorable pharmacological profile (low toxicity, acceptable bioavailability), but remains limited by poor solubility, chemical instability, and a lack of suitable clinical formulations. Nanotechnological approaches are currently being explored to overcome these barriers.
Cancer, a multifactorial disease with complex mechanisms, continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although current treatments are more targeted, they are still associated with high toxicity, frequent therapeutic resistance, and compromised quality of life. In this context, this review aimed to explore the anticancer potential of eugenol, a natural compound with multiple pharmacological properties.
The results suggest that eugenol exhibits promising antitumor activity, acting on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis, while modulating key cell signaling pathways. Its low toxicity and reasonable bioavailability make it a serious candidate for integrative therapeutic approaches.
However, the study also highlights the need for further research, including standardized preclinical studies, early-phase clinical trials, and the development of optimized formulations (notably using nanocarriers) to improve stability and tumor targeting. Combining eugenol with other treatments, or incorporating it into adjuvant protocols, could pave the way for more effective, less toxic, and better-personalized anticancer therapies.
About the author – Ana Espino
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.
#Oncology #Eugenol #Phenol
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Despite progress in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, current treatments often remain toxic, costly, and associated with a reduced quality of life. The main challenge, therefore, is to discover safer anticancer agents that can effectively target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues.
In this context, eugenol, a natural phenolic compound derived from clove (Syzygium aromaticum), has generated growing interest. With antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties, it appears to be a promising candidate for the development of alternative anticancer therapies.
This study aimed to highlight the mechanisms of action of eugenol, its molecular targets, pharmacological profile, and current limitations in view of possible clinical applications.
Cell killer or simple antioxidant?
Among the studies analyzed, a large selection of in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical research was included, focusing on the evaluation of eugenol’s effects on various types of cancer—particularly breast, colon, prostate, lung, liver, skin, and oral tumors. The selected research was chosen for its experimental quality, including analyses of molecular mechanisms of action, involved signaling pathways, as well as pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters.
The results show that eugenol inhibits tumor proliferation by modulating the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, p53) and reducing that of survival genes (Bcl-2, survivin). It induces mitochondrial apoptosis, blocks cell cycle progression, and inhibits signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPK, all of which play major roles in tumor progression.
Eugenol also affects cell migration, angiogenesis, and sensitizes certain cancer cells to conventional treatments. Moreover, eugenol displays a favorable pharmacological profile (low toxicity, acceptable bioavailability), but remains limited by poor solubility, chemical instability, and a lack of suitable clinical formulations. Nanotechnological approaches are currently being explored to overcome these barriers.
A small phenol with big ambitions
Cancer, a multifactorial disease with complex mechanisms, continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although current treatments are more targeted, they are still associated with high toxicity, frequent therapeutic resistance, and compromised quality of life. In this context, this review aimed to explore the anticancer potential of eugenol, a natural compound with multiple pharmacological properties.
The results suggest that eugenol exhibits promising antitumor activity, acting on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis, while modulating key cell signaling pathways. Its low toxicity and reasonable bioavailability make it a serious candidate for integrative therapeutic approaches.
However, the study also highlights the need for further research, including standardized preclinical studies, early-phase clinical trials, and the development of optimized formulations (notably using nanocarriers) to improve stability and tumor targeting. Combining eugenol with other treatments, or incorporating it into adjuvant protocols, could pave the way for more effective, less toxic, and better-personalized anticancer therapies.
Read next: Breast cancer: could the key lie in our diet and our bacteria?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
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