# Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lavanga
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Syzygium aromaticum, Cloves, Eugenia caryophyllata, Lavang, Ding Xiang, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Clove buds, Cengkeh

## Overview

Lavanga, derived from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove), is rich in eugenol, a phenylpropanoid compound that inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes and modulates NF-κB signaling to produce [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects. Eugenol also exhibits potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals and chelating metal ions, underpinning its broad therapeutic applications in Ayurvedic medicine.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) reduced lung inflammation markers in mice, lowering bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein content and neutrophil recruitment (p<0.05) - preliminary animal evidence
• Liver protection: Eugenol-rich fraction reversed thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats, reducing liver weight-body weight ratio and serum ALP/GGT levels - preliminary animal evidence
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Inhibited lipid peroxidation and restored [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) (GSH) levels in rat liver studies - preliminary evidence
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties: Essential oil demonstrated activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including E. coli - in vitro evidence
• Neutrophil modulation: Inhibited neutrophil oxidant production including superoxide and myeloperoxidase activity in vitro - preliminary evidence

## Mechanism of Action

Eugenol, the primary bioactive constituent of Lavanga (comprising up to 72–90% of clove essential oil), inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1/COX-2) enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis and attenuating the inflammatory cascade. Eugenol also suppresses NF-κB pathway activation by blocking IκB kinase phosphorylation, which downregulates [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, eugenol acts as a potent antioxidant by donating hydrogen atoms to [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, contributing to its [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties.

## Clinical Summary

Preclinical animal studies provide the strongest current evidence for Lavanga's benefits: an aqueous extract at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein content and neutrophil recruitment in a murine lung inflammation model (p<0.05), indicating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) efficacy. An eugenol-rich fraction has also demonstrated reversal of thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents, reducing markers of liver cell damage including elevated transaminases. Human clinical evidence remains limited, with small-scale studies suggesting clove extract may reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) biomarkers and improve glycemic markers, but these trials typically involve fewer than 50 participants and lack rigorous controls. Overall, the evidence is preliminary and largely preclinical; robust randomized controlled trials in humans are needed before definitive therapeutic claims can be made.

## Nutritional Profile

Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum / Cloves) per 100g dried whole cloves: Macronutrients - Calories: ~274 kcal; Carbohydrates: ~65g (dietary fiber: ~33g, comprising largely insoluble cellulose and hemicellulose); Protein: ~6g; Fat: ~13g (primarily palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid). Micronutrients - Manganese: ~60mg (3000% DV, exceptionally high); Vitamin K: ~141.8mcg; Vitamin C: ~11.7mg; Vitamin E: ~8.8mg (alpha-tocopherol); Magnesium: ~259mg; Calcium: ~632mg (bioavailability limited due to oxalate content); Potassium: ~1020mg; Phosphorus: ~104mg; Iron: ~11.8mg; Zinc: ~2.3mg; Copper: ~0.37mg. Bioactive Compounds - Eugenol: 72-90% of volatile essential oil content (primary bioactive; essential oil yield ~15-20% of dry weight); Eugenol acetate: 5-15% of essential oil; Beta-caryophyllene: 5-12% of essential oil (sesquiterpene with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties); Alpha-humulene: ~1-2% of essential oil; Acetyl eugenol: present in bud oil at ~2%; Phenolic compounds total: ~9,188mg gallic acid equivalents/100g (one of highest among spices); Flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin present at ~1-2mg/g dry weight; Triterpenoids: oleanolic acid, ursolic acid (~0.5-1mg/g); Tannins: ~9g/100g (including ellagitannins such as casuarictin and tellimagrandin). Bioavailability Notes - Eugenol is rapidly absorbed through gastrointestinal tract with peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours post-ingestion; high tannin and fiber content may reduce mineral (iron, calcium, zinc) bioavailability by 30-50%; essential oil constituents show enhanced bioavailability when consumed with lipid-containing foods; manganese absorption estimated at 3-8% of total content due to competing dietary factors.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies used aqueous extract at 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally in mice and eugenol-rich fraction at 80 mg/100g body weight orally (approximately 800 mg/kg) in rats for 9 weeks. No standardization details or human dosage ranges have been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lavanga and its isolated eugenol are generally considered safe at culinary doses, but concentrated clove oil or high-dose eugenol supplements (above 2.6 mg/kg/day, the established tolerable daily intake) can cause hepatotoxicity, mucous membrane irritation, and contact dermatitis. Eugenol inhibits platelet aggregation and may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin and aspirin, increasing bleeding risk. Clove oil may also interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP1A2 and CYP3A4), potentially altering the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of drugs processed by these pathways. Lavanga is not recommended in therapeutic doses during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects, and individuals with liver disease should exercise caution given eugenol's dose-dependent hepatotoxic potential at elevated concentrations.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Lavanga. Available evidence is limited to preclinical studies including mouse models (n=8-10 per group) demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects and rat studies (n=5 per group) showing liver protective properties over 9 weeks of treatment.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Syzygium aromaticum has been used for millennia as a spice, food preservative, and medicinal plant in global traditional systems, particularly valued for its [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. Its use spans from ancient Indonesian origins to widespread adoption across various cultures for both culinary and therapeutic applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, Ashwagandha, Milk Thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in lavanga and what does it do?

The primary active compound in Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) is eugenol, which constitutes 72–90% of clove essential oil. Eugenol exerts its effects mainly by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis and by suppressing NF-κB-mediated cytokine production, making it a key driver of clove's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

### Can lavanga protect the liver?

Animal studies show that an eugenol-rich fraction of Lavanga can reverse thioacetamide-induced liver damage in rodents, reducing elevated serum transaminase levels and improving hepatic histology. However, this evidence is purely preclinical, and paradoxically, high doses of eugenol (well above culinary amounts) are themselves associated with hepatotoxicity in both animal models and human case reports, so liver-protective effects are dose-dependent and not yet confirmed in human clinical trials.

### What is the recommended dosage of lavanga supplement?

No universally established clinical dosage for Lavanga supplements exists in human trials. Traditional Ayurvedic texts typically recommend 1–3 grams of dried clove powder per day, while standardized eugenol supplements are generally considered safe up to the tolerable daily intake of 2.6 mg/kg body weight per day as established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. It is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare provider before use, particularly for concentrated extracts or essential oil preparations.

### Does lavanga interact with blood thinners like warfarin?

Yes, eugenol in Lavanga inhibits platelet aggregation by suppressing thromboxane B2 synthesis and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet activation, which can potentiate the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and similar medications. This combination may increase the risk of prolonged bleeding or bruising, and individuals on anticoagulant therapy should avoid therapeutic doses of clove supplements without medical supervision. Eugenol also affects CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzymes, which are responsible for warfarin metabolism, adding another layer of potential interaction.

### Is lavanga safe to use during pregnancy?

Lavanga used as a culinary spice in normal food quantities is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy, but therapeutic doses of clove or concentrated eugenol supplements are not recommended. Eugenol has demonstrated uterine-stimulating (oxytocic) properties in preclinical studies, raising concerns about potential preterm labor or increased uterine contractions at higher doses. Pregnant individuals should avoid clove essential oil and high-dose Lavanga supplements and consult their obstetrician before use.

### What is the difference between lavanga extract and whole clove powder for anti-inflammatory benefits?

Lavanga extracts, particularly eugenol-rich fractions, demonstrate more concentrated anti-inflammatory effects in research models compared to whole clove powder, as shown by studies measuring reduced lung inflammation markers in animal models. Whole clove powder provides the complete phytochemical profile but at lower concentrations of active compounds per dose. The choice between extract and powder depends on whether you prioritize potency (extract) or whole-food synergy (powder), though human clinical data comparing these forms directly is limited.

### Can I get enough lavanga's beneficial compounds from dietary sources like whole cloves?

While whole cloves are naturally rich in eugenol and other active compounds, achieving therapeutic anti-inflammatory or liver-protective doses through diet alone would require consistent daily consumption of substantial quantities of cloves, which is impractical for most people. Culinary use of cloves (typically 1–2 cloves per dish) provides beneficial compounds but in amounts below those used in preliminary research studies (200 mg/kg or eugenol-rich fractions). Supplementation allows for standardized, concentrated dosing that better matches amounts studied in animal models.

### What does current research quality tell us about lavanga's effectiveness compared to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments?

Most evidence for lavanga's anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects comes from preliminary animal studies (mice and rats), which show promise but cannot yet be directly compared to human clinical outcomes or conventional medications like NSAIDs or pharmaceutical liver protectants. Human clinical trials specifically evaluating lavanga supplementation for inflammation or liver health remain limited, making it difficult to assess efficacy relative to established treatments. While animal data is encouraging, consumers should view lavanga as a complementary approach pending higher-quality human research.

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