Eugenol

Eugenol occurs naturally in clove oil (70-95 %), in allspice and allspice leaf oil (60-90 %), in bay oil (50-60 %) and cinnamon oils (cinnamon bark oil: 5-10 %, cinnamon leaf oil over 90 %). It is also found in laurel, basil, banana and nutmeg.

Eugenol is used as a fragrance and flavoring agent. It is also used in medicines and dentistry. As the main component of clove oil , the substance is widely used in dentistry (e.g. also in root canal treatments). The substance is represented as a relevant allergen in the epicutaneous test series"fragrance mix".

Eugenol and isoeugenol play a major role as allergens. Sensitizing potency: Medium. Frequency of sensitization: Occasional. Sensitizations(contact allergy; urticaria) are mainly found on dental material in dental personnel. Cross-reactivity exists to Peru balsam. Clove oil apparently also has an antimycotic and antibacterial effect. It is still a standard agent for root fillings today.

The DKG has so far tested clove oil 2% in Vaseline. This form of application is no longer available as a test substance in Germany. In this respect, the test substance eugenol 1% in Vaseline is now recommended (as of 2016). Clove oil consists of 90% eugenol, which is also contained in the fragrance mix.

1. Kamyab AA et al (2013) Anti-Inflammatory, gastrointestinal andhepatoprotective effects of Ocimum sanctum Linn: an ancient remedy with newapplication. Inflammatory Allergy Drug Targets 12:378-384
2. Tammannavar P et al (2013) An unexpected positivehypersensitive reaction to eugenol. BMJ Case Rep18 doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009464.