Clove (Eugenia aromatica) and Clove Oil (Eugenol)

by MedlinePlus

Clove is widely cultivated in Indonesia, Sri-Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania and Brazil. It is used in limited amounts in food products as a fragrant, flavoring agent, and antiseptic.

Clinical trials assessing monotherapy of clove are limited, although the expert panel German Commission E has approved the use of clove as a topical antiseptic and anesthetic. Other uses for clove, such as premature ejaculation, dry socket, and fever reduction lack reliable human clinical evidence.

Clove is sometimes added to tobacco in cigarettes, and clove cigarettes ("kreteks") typically contain 60% tobacco and 40% ground cloves.

Eugenol, a constituent of clove, has been used for analgesic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. It is used in the form of a paste or mixture as dental cement, filler, and restorative material.

Plant oils, including clove, may be used in livestock to inhibit microbial fermentation in waste products. Clove oil may be found in high concentration licorice (glycyrrhizin) products to prevent gel formation in an aqueous solution.

Combination products: Dent-Zel-Ite® toothache relief drops, Red Cross Toothache Medication®.

Do not confuse clove with: baguacu, black plum, Eugenia cumini , Eugenia edulis , Eugenia jambolana , Eugenia umbelliflora , Jamun, java apple, java plum, SCE, Syzigium cordatum , Syzygium cumini , Syzygium samarangense , water apple, wax apple.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Premature ejaculation

A small amount of human research reports that a combination cream with clove and other herbs may be helpful in the treatment of premature ejaculation. However, well-designed studies of the effectiveness of clove alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

Inflammation after tooth extraction (dry socket)

Preliminary research reports oil of clove combined with zinc oxide paste to be effective for dry socket. The benefits of clove alone need to be studied before a recommendation can be made.

Fever reduction

Animal studies suggest that clove can lower fever, but no reliable human studies are available.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abdominal pain, acaricidal, allergies, anaesthetic, artherosclerosis, antibacterial, antifungal, antihistamine, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, arsenite induced toxicity (prevention), asthma, athlete's foot, bad breath, blood purifier, blood thinner (anti-platelet agent), cancer, carminative, cavities, colic, cough, counterirritant, decreased gastric transit time, diabetes, diarrhea, dust mites, expectorant, food preservative, gout, hernia, herpes simplex virus, hiccups, high blood pressure, inflammation, insecticidal, insulin mimetic, gas, larvae or parasites, lipid-lowering , mosquito repellant (topical), mouth and throat inflammation, mouthwash, nausea or vomiting, pain, neurodegeneration, oral candidiasis, muscle spasm, oral cavities, oral edema, pediculocide, smooth muscle relaxant (clove oil), tooth or gum pain, vaginal candidiasis (prevention and treatment),vasorelaxant (clove oil).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Some sources recommend that clove oil should not be used in concentrations higher than 0.06%, and that the daily dose of eugenol, a component of clove, should not be higher than 2.5 milligrams for each kilogram of body weight.

Adults (18 years and older)

There is not enough scientific evidence available to recommend a specific dose of clove by mouth, on the skin, or by any other route.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific evidence available to recommend a specific dose of clove by mouth, on the skin, or by any other route.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Allergic reactions to clove and its component eugenol have been reported, including possible severe reactions (anaphylaxis). Eugenol or clove can cause allergic rashes when applied to skin or inside the mouth. Hives have been reported in clove cigarette smokers. People who are allergic to balsam of Peru may also be allergic to clove. Individuals with known allergy to clove, its component eugenol, or to balsam of Peru should avoid the use of clove by mouth, inhaled from cigarettes, or applied to the skin.

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