Dr. Grey AI

Clove

Clove is a spice derived from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, native to Indonesia. The primary active compound is eugenol (70-90% of clove oil), which has potent antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Clove oil is FDA-approved as a dental analgesic and has been used traditionally for toothache, respiratory ailments, and as an aphrodisiac. Modern research supports antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, but human clinical trials for most applications are limited.

Quick Answer

What it is

Clove is a spice derived from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, native to Indonesia. The primary active compound is eugenol (70-90% of clove oil), which has potent antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Dental Pain Relief
  • Grade C: Antimicrobial Activity
  • Grade C: Anti-inflammatory Effects

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Clove

Quick Facts: Clove

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:9
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C2
D6
3 conditions · 9 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
B
Dental Pain Relief
Eugenol from clove oil is FDA-approved as a dental analgesic for temporary toothache relief. Limited RCTs suggest topical clove gel has efficacy comparable to benzocaine 20% when applied to oral mucosa prior to needle insertion. Widely used in dental procedures as a component of zinc oxide-eugenol cements.
moderate↓Improves
C
Antimicrobial Activity
Extensive in vitro studies demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of clove oil and eugenol against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (including MDR A. baumannii and ESBL-producing strains), fungi (Candida, Fusarium), and oral pathogens. Mechanistic reviews attribute activity to eugenol-mediated membrane disruption and protein denaturation. No human clinical trials for systemic antimicrobial effects.
moderate↓Worsens
C
Anti-inflammatory Effects
In vitro studies show eugenol at noncytotoxic concentrations inhibits COX-2 and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) by murine macrophages. An in vivo animal study found clove essential oil nanogels produced significant anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects comparable to diclofenac. No human clinical trials for systemic anti-inflammatory use.
small↓Worsens
D
Anticancer Properties
In vitro studies demonstrate cytotoxic effects of clove extracts and eugenol against multiple cancer cell lines of various anatomical origins. Clove oil triggered apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in colon cancer (Caco-2) cells. A review of eugenol's anticancer mechanisms highlights induction of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation, and anti-angiogenic effects. No human clinical trials.
small↓Worsens
D
Immunomodulatory Effects
In vitro studies show clove essential oil and constituents modulate both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, affecting lymphocyte subtype expansion, cytokine profiles, and macrophage activation. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts demonstrate dose-dependent immunomodulatory activity. No human clinical trials.
small↑Improves
D
Blood Sugar Regulation
Animal studies and small preliminary human observations suggest clove may help regulate blood glucose levels, potentially by enhancing insulin function or slowing carbohydrate digestion. Evidence remains preliminary with no well-powered human RCTs published.
small↓Improves
D
Antioxidant Capacity
In vitro studies consistently show clove has exceptionally high antioxidant capacity among spices. Eugenol, gallic acid, and flavonoids contribute to radical scavenging activity confirmed across cold-pressed oil, essential oil, and aqueous extract preparations. Systemic bioavailability and clinical relevance in humans remain unestablished.
moderate↑Improves
D
Antiplatelet Activity
A single study identified antiplatelet principles from clove, showing eugenol and related compounds inhibit thromboxane synthesis and platelet aggregation via prostaglandin pathway modulation. No human clinical trials evaluating cardiovascular or anticoagulant effects.
small↓Worsens
D
Bone Preservation
A single preclinical study found clove extract rich in eugenol and eugenol derivatives showed bone-preserving efficacy in an animal model of bone loss. The mechanism may involve antioxidant and anti-resorptive properties. No human clinical trials.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (30)

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry essential oil with identification of its chemical constituents.
(2023)
PMID: 35599246
Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Cinnamon and Clove essential oils nanogels: an in vivo study.
(2022)
PMID: 35596157
Antioxidant-rich Clove Extract, A Strong Antimicrobial Agent against Urinary Tract Infections-causing Bacteria in vitro.
(2021)
PMID: 34367514
Antibacterial activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) essential oil against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria.
(2021)
PMID: 34566340
Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Extraction, Chemical Composition, Food Applications, and Essential Bioactivity for Human Health.
(2021)
PMID: 34770801
Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A Review.
(2021)
PMID: 34885992
Yield, Quality, and Antioxidant Activity of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) Bud Oil at the Different Phenological Stages in Young and Mature Trees.
(2020)
PMID: 32566363
Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Thymus zygis (thyme) essential oils increase susceptibility to colistin in the nosocomial pathogens Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
(2020)
PMID: 32795924
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of unencapsulated and encapsulated clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) essential oil.
(2019)
PMID: 30409582
Triggering of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by fennel and clove oils in Caco-2 cells: the role of combination.
(2019)
PMID: 31364915

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