Clove
StarSyzygium aromaticum
Synonyms: Eugenia caryophyllus, Jambosa caryophyllus, Caryophyllus silvestris, Myrtus caryophyllus, Eugenia caryophyllata, Caryophyllus hortensis, Caryophyllus aromaticus
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Syzygium aromaticum, the clove tree, is an evergreen tree of the Myrtaceae growing to 8-12 metres or more, with a dense pyramidal crown. The leaves are opposite, glossy, ovate to lance-shaped and aromatic, conspicuously dotted with oil glands. The flowers are borne in terminal cymes; the familiar spice 'clove' is the dried, unopened flower bud, which consists of a long calyx tube topped by four spreading sepals and a ball-like cluster of unopened petals, turning from green to bright red when ready for harvest. If left to develop, the flower opens to reveal numerous stamens and matures into a fleshy, dark purple drupe ('mother of clove'). It is native to the Maluku (Moluccas) Islands of Indonesia and is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics, notably in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Active Constituents
Eugenol
Phenylpropanoid (allylmethoxyphenol)Concentration: ~70-90% of clove essential oil (buds contain roughly 15-20% oil by weight)
The dominant bioactive of clove. Eugenol is a local anaesthetic and analgesic (it blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and modulates TRPV1), a broad-spectrum antiseptic that disrupts microbial membranes, and an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It underlies clove's traditional use for toothache and its role as the base of dental zinc-oxide-eugenol cements.
Eugenyl acetate (acetyleugenol)
Phenylpropanoid esterConcentration: ~8-15% of the oil
An acetylated eugenol that contributes to the oil's aroma and shares antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activity with eugenol.
beta-Caryophyllene
Bicyclic sesquiterpeneConcentration: ~5-15% of the oil
A dietary cannabinoid that selectively activates the CB2 receptor, giving anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastroprotective effects and contributing to clove's spicy, woody note.
alpha-Humulene
Monocyclic sesquiterpeneConcentration: ~1-3% of the oil
An isomer of caryophyllene with additional anti-inflammatory activity; a minor but characteristic component of the volatile fraction.
Eugeniin and gallotannins
Hydrolyzable tanninsConcentration: Present in aqueous/methanolic bud extracts
Ellagitannins such as eugeniin provide astringent, antiviral (notably anti-herpesvirus) and antioxidant activity of the non-volatile fraction of clove.
Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
FlavonolsConcentration: Minor
Contribute antioxidant, free-radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity to whole-clove extracts.
Phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic acids)
Phenolic acidsConcentration: Minor
Add to the strong antioxidant capacity of clove, one of the highest among culinary spices by ORAC measurement.
Oleanolic acid
Pentacyclic triterpenoidConcentration: Minor
A triterpene acid with reported hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
⚠ Drug Interactions
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Eugenol and acetyleugenol inhibit platelet aggregation - in vitro more potently than aspirin - by suppressing thromboxane formation. Concentrated clove oil or eugenol supplements may therefore add to the effect of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical note: Culinary amounts of clove are considered safe, but concentrated clove oil/eugenol should be avoided or used cautiously with warfarin, DOACs, heparin, aspirin or clopidogrel and stopped before surgery.
Antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, NSAIDs)
Eugenol's inhibition of platelet thromboxane synthesis is additive with other antiplatelet agents, potentially prolonging bleeding time.
Clinical note: Monitor for bruising or bleeding if concentrated clove products are combined with antiplatelet therapy.
Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. paracetamol/acetaminophen in overdose)
High doses of ingested clove oil have caused hepatotoxicity and, in children, fulminant hepatic failure; combining large amounts of eugenol with other hepatotoxins is theoretically additive.
Clinical note: Never give concentrated clove oil to children; ingestion of even small volumes of the oil has caused serious liver injury and CNS depression in toddlers.
Preparation Methods
Toothache / topical oral analgesic
Parts: Dried flower buds, clove essential oil
A small amount of diluted clove oil applied to a cotton pledget on an aching tooth, or a whole clove held against the gum, gives temporary relief of dental pain thanks to eugenol. Use sparingly and diluted - undiluted clove oil can burn oral mucosa and damage gum tissue. Not for use in infants or young children.
Infusion / spice decoction
Parts: Dried buds
A few crushed cloves infused in hot water are used traditionally as a carminative for nausea, bloating and mild digestive upset, and as a warming aromatic. Culinary quantities are regarded as safe.
Mouthwash / gargle
Parts: Buds, essential oil (diluted)
Dilute clove infusion or a drop of oil in water is used as an antiseptic gargle for sore throat and oral hygiene. Warning: concentrated clove oil should never be swallowed - ingestion of the oil has caused seizures, coma and acute liver failure, especially in children.
Clinical Studies
Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities
A widely cited review summarizing clove's phytochemistry (eugenol-dominant oil, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes) and its antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and insecticidal activities, together with toxicological considerations for eugenol.
Antiplatelet principles from a food spice clove (Syzygium aromaticum L)
Demonstrated that eugenol and acetyleugenol from clove inhibit platelet aggregation induced by arachidonate, adrenaline and collagen more potently than aspirin, by suppressing thromboxane formation - the mechanistic basis for clove's anticoagulant drug-interaction caution.
Efficacy of Articaine or Eugenol for Pain Relief after Emergency Coronal Pulpotomy in Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
A randomized trial in patients with irreversible pulpitis compared eugenol against the local anaesthetic articaine for postoperative pain after emergency pulpotomy, evaluating clove's principal constituent in a controlled clinical dental setting.
Historical Texts
Chinese Han court records / Hou Han Shu
Han dynasty, c. 3rd century BCE-2nd century CEArab-Persian materia medica and the medieval spice trade
Medieval periodEuropean herbals and pharmacopoeias (e.g. clove oil / Oleum caryophylli)
16th-19th centuryReferences
- Batiha GE, Alkazmi LM, Wasef LG, Beshbishy AM, Nadwa EH, Rashwan EK. Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities . Biomolecules (2020) [DOI]
- Srivastava KC. Antiplatelet principles from a food spice clove (Syzygium aromaticum L) . Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (1993) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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