Antiviral properties of the natural product eugenol: A review

Natural small molecule compounds have become the alternative options for developing antiviral reagent due to their broad-spectrum antiviral properties and low toxicity. Eugenol is a natural volatile phenolic aromatic compound primarily derived from clove oil. The small compound is well-recognized for its local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and preservative properties, making it a common choice for oral disinfection and as an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis. Clinical and experimental evidence shows that eugenol exhibits significant inhibitory effects against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and the viruses. In viral infectious diseases, eugenol can directly interact with pathogenic antigens in viral structures to prevent viral invasion. Additionally, it offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits by inhibiting multiple inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing organ damage. To the best of our knowledge, recent advancements in the antiviral properties of eugenol have not been solely addressed. This review aims to offer a new insight into the antiviral activity of eugenol and its potential mechanisms of action. Based on the literature review, we suggest that the antiviral mechanisms of eugenol are associated with cellular autophagy, and that the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is the primary inflammatory pathway regulated by eugenol. These findings highlight the need for further investigation through rigorously designed experimental studies focused on specific viruses.