Quick Summary

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a medicinal herb widely studied for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Its essential oil, rich in eugenol, is used in food preservation, oral care, topical applications, and as a potential antiviral and antifungal agent. Clove has demonstrated potential benefits in managing oral diseases, skin inflammatory conditions, and metabolic disorders in preclinical and clinical settings, though further rigorous clinical trials are needed.

What is it?

Clove is the aromatic flower bud of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, traditionally used as a spice and herbal remedy. It contains a highly concentrated essential oil notable for its main active compound, eugenol. The herb has a long history in culinary and medicinal applications worldwide.

Traditional Uses

  • Oral care and dental health (e.g., relief of toothache, antimicrobial mouth rinses)
  • Food preservation due to antimicrobial and antioxidant effects
  • Topical application for skin inflammation and pain relief
  • Respiratory and digestive ailments in traditional medicine systems

Active Compounds

  • Eugenol: The principal compound responsible for most biological activities
  • Caryophyllene and other phytochemicals with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and foodborne bacteria (Moderate evidence)

    Systematic reviews and clinical studies suggest clove essential oil may inhibit bacteria involved in dental caries and food spoilage. [PMID 40426560], [PMID 39907951]
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (Moderate evidence)

    Animal studies and chemical analyses support clove’s potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress due to eugenol content. [PMID 41479418], [PMID 40283940]
  • Potential antiviral roles, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Preclinical/Computational evidence)

    In silico studies point to clove phytochemicals possibly binding to viral proteins, but clinical evidence is lacking. [PMID 40733568]
  • Potential oral health benefits including plaque and gingivitis reduction (Low to Moderate evidence)

    Randomized controlled trials report that clove-containing polyherbal toothpaste may reduce dental plaque and gingivitis comparably to conventional toothpaste. [PMID 41050301]
  • Antifungal activity including anti-biofilm effects against Candida albicans (Preclinical and limited clinical evidence)

    Systematic reviews highlight clove oil’s significant anti-biofilm activity in vitro and suggest potential comparable efficacy to antifungals in oral candidiasis. [PMID 39949693], [PMID 40655897]

Side Effects

Clove and its essential oil are generally regarded as safe in moderate amounts. However, higher doses or concentrated essential oils may cause local irritation, allergic reactions, or toxicity. Clinical studies have not reported significant adverse effects with standardized preparations, but caution is warranted especially for topical or inhaled use at high concentrations.

Drug Interactions

There is limited clinical data on drug interactions involving clove. One case report suggested a possible interaction with tamoxifen. Further studies are needed to better understand interactions, particularly with medications metabolized by the liver.

Who Should Avoid It

  • Individuals with known allergy to clove or related plants should avoid use.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before use due to insufficient safety data.

Evidence Limitations

Most clinical evidence surrounding clove derives from small or heterogeneous trials, often involving polyherbal formulations where clove is one of several components. Standardization of dose, formulation, and method of delivery remains a challenge. While preclinical data are extensive, more rigorously designed, large-scale randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosing guidelines.

References

  • PMID 41479418: Clove oil nanoemulsion topical cream showed anti-inflammatory effects in mice models.
  • PMID 40426560: Systematic review of antimicrobial efficacy of clove essential oil in meat preservation.
  • PMID 39907951: Review of herbal remedies including clove for oral and dental health showing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • PMID 41901733: Review on Chinese botanical products, including clove, antibacterial mechanisms against Streptococcus mutans.
  • PMID 42022983: Review of mechanisms of essential oils’ antibacterial activity, including clove’s membrane disruption and efflux pump inhibition.
  • PMID 39949693: Systematic review of clove oil anti-biofilm activity against Candida albicans.
  • PMID 40655897: Systematic review comparing herbal compounds including clove with antifungals in oral candidiasis treatment.
  • PMID 40733568: In silico and genetic study showing clove phytochemicals potential targeting of SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
  • PMID 41050301: RCT showing polyherbal toothpaste containing clove efficacy comparable to conventional toothpaste in dental plaque reduction.
  • PMID 38144032: Meta-analysis of herbal plaque control agents including clove showing efficacy in plaque and gingivitis.
  • PMID 40283940: Chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of clove pods focused on eugenol.
  • PMID 40647967: Systematic review on antioxidant application of clove essential oil in meat products.

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clove and its preparations should not replace professional healthcare or conventional treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal product, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking medications.