# Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/clove
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Laung, Ding Xiang, Lavanga, Clove buds, Clavos de olor

## Overview

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) contains eugenol as its primary bioactive compound, comprising 70-90% of its essential oil. Eugenol exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and modulates [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) through T-cell suppression and B-cell enhancement.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects comparable to indomethacin in animal models (0.05-0.20 mL/kg essential oil) - preliminary evidence only
• [Immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity shown in vitro, suppressing T-cell proliferation and enhancing B-cell expansion at 100-1000 μg/mL - limited to cell studies
• Antibacterial properties against E. coli with MIC 6.25-25 mg/mL, synergizing with antibiotics to lower MICs 4-128-fold - in vitro evidence only
• Cytokine modulation reducing IFN-γ while increasing IL-4/IL-10/TGF-β at 0.1-1000 μg/mL - preliminary cell culture data
• Traditional use for dental pain and digestive issues spanning over 2,000 years - no clinical trials available

## Mechanism of Action

Eugenol, clove's primary active compound, inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and leukotriene synthesis. It also modulates immune responses by suppressing T-helper cell proliferation while enhancing B-cell expansion through effects on cytokine signaling pathways. Additionally, eugenol disrupts bacterial cell membranes and interferes with cellular respiration in microorganisms.

## Clinical Summary

Animal studies demonstrate clove essential oil's [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects at 0.05-0.20 mL/kg doses, showing comparable efficacy to indomethacin in reducing inflammation markers. In vitro studies reveal [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity at 100-1000 μg/mL concentrations, with significant T-cell proliferation suppression and B-cell enhancement. However, evidence remains limited to preliminary animal models and cell culture studies. No large-scale human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Ground clove (per 100g dry weight): Calories ~274 kcal, Carbohydrates ~65g (including ~33g dietary fiber, making it one of the highest fiber spices by weight), Protein ~6g, Fat ~13g (predominantly omega-6 linoleic acid ~1.8g and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid ~0.4g). Key micronutrients: Manganese exceptionally high at ~60mg/100g (>2600% DV, highest of any common spice), Vitamin K ~141.8µg/100g (~118% DV), Magnesium ~259mg/100g (~65% DV), Calcium ~632mg/100g (~63% DV), Iron ~11.8mg/100g (~66% DV), Potassium ~1020mg/100g, Vitamin C ~80.8mg/100g (degrades significantly with heat/storage), Vitamin E ~8.8mg/100g. Bioactive compounds: Eugenol dominates at 72-90% of essential oil content (approximately 150-200mg eugenol per gram of whole clove), functioning as the primary pharmacologically active constituent; Eugenol acetate ~5-15% of essential oil; Beta-caryophyllene ~5-12% of essential oil (also a CB2 receptor agonist); Acetyl eugenol; Gallic acid ~0.5-1.2mg/g dry weight; Ellagic acid present in measurable quantities; Quercetin and kaempferol as flavonoid glycosides at low mg/100g levels; Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid as triterpenes. Polyphenol content extremely high at ~15,000-16,000mg GAE/100g dry weight, consistently ranking among the highest ORAC values of any food (~290,000 µmol TE/100g). Bioavailability notes: Eugenol is rapidly absorbed via gastrointestinal mucosa but undergoes first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); sulfation and glucuronidation are primary conjugation pathways limiting systemic bioavailability; fat co-ingestion modestly enhances absorption of lipophilic terpenoids; typical culinary doses (0.5-2g per serving) deliver approximately 75-300mg eugenol, far below experimental pharmacological doses used in most in vitro studies; manganese bioavailability from plant sources is moderate (~5-10%) due to phytate interactions within the spice matrix itself.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages available from RCTs. Preclinical data only: In vitro studies used 0.001-1000 μg/mL clove extracts; animal [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) studies used essential oil 0.05-0.20 mL/kg or ethanol bud extract 50-200 mg/kg (rodent LD50: 565.7 mg/kg). No standardization for eugenol content specified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Clove oil can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and mucous membrane irritation when applied topically in high concentrations. Eugenol may interact with anticoagulant medications by enhancing bleeding risk due to its antiplatelet effects. High doses can cause liver toxicity and central nervous system depression. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses beyond normal culinary use due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals a critical gap: no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on clove were identified in the search results. Available evidence is limited to preclinical studies including in vitro experiments using mouse splenocytes (n=6-8 week Balb/c mice) and animal models testing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. No PubMed PMIDs for human studies were found.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Clove has been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Unani medicine for dental pain, [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), respiratory issues, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Traditional systems applied buds or oil topically or ingested them for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and analgesic effects, with essential oil used in aromatherapy for arthritis and rheumatism.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Oregano

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in clove that provides health benefits?

Eugenol is the primary active compound in clove, comprising 70-90% of its essential oil. This phenolic compound is responsible for clove's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects through COX enzyme inhibition and immune cell modulation.

### How much clove oil was effective in animal inflammation studies?

Animal studies used clove essential oil at doses of 0.05-0.20 mL/kg body weight to achieve anti-inflammatory effects comparable to indomethacin. However, these are preliminary animal doses that cannot be directly translated to human therapeutic recommendations.

### Can clove supplements interact with blood thinning medications?

Yes, clove's eugenol content may enhance anticoagulant effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin due to antiplatelet activity. This interaction could increase bleeding risk, so patients on anticoagulants should consult healthcare providers before using clove supplements.

### What immune system effects does clove have in laboratory studies?

In vitro studies show clove extracts at 100-1000 μg/mL suppress T-cell proliferation while enhancing B-cell expansion. This suggests potential immunomodulatory effects, but these findings are limited to cell culture studies and require human clinical validation.

### Is clove oil safe for topical use on skin?

Clove oil can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions when applied topically, especially in high concentrations. It should be diluted with carrier oils before skin application and patch tested first to avoid mucous membrane irritation and contact dermatitis.

### What is the most bioavailable form of clove supplement — powder, essential oil, or extract?

Clove essential oil demonstrates the highest concentration of active compounds like eugenol, but standardized extracts may offer better absorption consistency compared to whole powder. Essential oil is typically more potent but requires careful dosing due to concentrated potency. The choice between forms depends on intended use, as topical applications favor oil while oral supplementation may benefit from encapsulated extracts with defined eugenol content.

### Is clove safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Clove essential oil in concentrated medicinal doses is traditionally considered potentially uterine-stimulating and should be avoided during pregnancy, though culinary amounts in food are generally recognized as safe. Limited clinical data exists on clove supplement safety during breastfeeding, so consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before supplementing. Pregnant and nursing women should prioritize established safety profiles over preliminary animal model evidence.

### How strong is the clinical evidence for clove's anti-inflammatory effects in humans?

Current evidence for clove's anti-inflammatory benefits comes primarily from animal studies and in vitro laboratory work, with minimal published human clinical trials. While animal models showed effects comparable to indomethacin at specific doses, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human efficacy or safety. More rigorous human studies are needed before clove can be recommended as an evidence-based anti-inflammatory therapy.

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