Eugenia aromatica

Related Terms

2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-phenol, beta-caryophyllene, Caryophylli atheroleum, Caryophylli flos, caryophyllum, caryophyllus, Caryophyllus aromaticus, cengke (Indonesian), cengkeh (Indonesian), chiodo di garofano (Italian), choji (Japanese), chor boghbojh (Armenian), chor poghpoch (Armenian), cinnamon nails, clau (Catalan), clavo (Spanish), clavo de olor (Spanish), clavos, clou de girofle (French), clovas de comer (Tagalog), clove bud, clove bud oil, clove cigarettes, clove essential oil, clove leaf, clove oil, craveiro da ?ndia (Portuguese), cravina de T?nis (Portuguese), cravinho, cravo (Portuguese), cravo da ?ndia (Portuguese), cravo?ria (Portuguese), cravo das molucas (Portuguese - Brazil), cravo de cabecinha (Portuguese), cravo de doce (Portuguese - Brazil), cuisoare, ding heung (Chinese), ding xiang (Chinese), dinh huong (Vietnamese), dok chan (Laotian), dried clove, Eugenia aromatica, Eugenia bud, Eugenia caryophyllata, Eugenia caryophyllus, eugenol, eugenole, flores Caryophylli, gahn plu, garifalo (Greek), garifallo (Greek), garifano (Greek), garn ploo (Thai), Gew?rznelke (German), Gew?rznelken (German), Gew?rznelken N?gelein (German), Gew?rznelkenbaum (German), giroffle (French), giroflier (French), gozdzik korzenny (Polish), gozdziki (Polish), gozdzik?w korzenny (Polish), graambu, ground clove, gvazdikelia, gvozdika (Russian), habahan (Arabic), harilik nelgipuu (Estonian), hreb?ckovec korenn? (Czech), hreb?ckovec vonn? (Czech), iltze kanela, isoeugenol, jeonghyang (Korean), jeonghyang namu, jonghyang, kaan phl?u (Thai), kabsh qarunfil (Arabic), kala (Pashto), kalmpir, kan phou (Laotian), kan phu (Laotian), karabu nati (Sinhalese), karafuu (Swahili), karamfil (Bulgarian), karanfil (Turkish), kariofilla (Greek), kariofilo (Esperanto), khan pluu (Khmer), khlam puu (Khmer), klabong pako (Tagalog), klincek (Slovak), klincic, klincki, krambu (Tamil), kreteks, krinfud (Amharic), kruidnagel (Dutch), kruidnagelboom (Dutch), krustnaglinas (Latvian), kryddnejlikor (Swedish), kryddernellik (Norwegian), kryddernellike (Danish), kryddernelliketr? (Danish), kryddnejlika (Swedish), kullobu (Korean), kurobu (Japanese), kuroobu (Japanese), kvapnusis gvazdikmedis (Lithuanian), labanga (Oriya), labango (Bengali), laung (Hindi, Urdu), lavang (Marathi), lavanga (Hindi, Sanskrit), lavangalu (Telugu), lavangamu (Telugu), lay hnyin (Burmese), ley nyim bwint (Burmese), lwaang (Nepalese), mausteneilikka (Finnish), mikhak (Farsi), mikhaki (Georgian), mixaki (Georgian), moschokarfi (Greek), mu ding xiang (Chinese), Myrtaceae (family), myrte soort (Dutch), N?gelein (German), nageljnove zbice, nagri (Sranan), Negelken (German), negull (Icelandic), neilikka (Finnish), nejlikor (Swedish), Nelke (German), nellik (Norwegian), nellike (Danish), oil of clove, oleum caryophylli, pentogen (clove oil), qalampir (Uzbek), qaranful (Arabic), rosa da ?ndia (Portuguese), Shitei-To, shouji (Japanese), shriisanjnan (Sanskrit), sitsigiui gvozdichnyi (Russian), Syzigium aromaricum (L) Merr. and Perry., szegfuszeg(fa) (Hungarian), Tiger BalmT Red, tropical myrtle, tsiporen (Hebrew), tziporen (Hebrew).
Combination product examples: Dent-Zel-Ite? toothache relief drops, Red Cross Toothache Medication?; Tiger BalmT Red (5% cassia oil plus 5% clove oil); Shitei-To (STT) (Shitei (SI, Kaki Calyx; calyx of Diospyros kaki L. f.), Shokyo (SK, Zingiberis Rhizoma; rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and Choji (CJ, Caryophylli flos; flowerbud of Syzygium aromaticum [L.] Merrill et Perry), Olbas Oil (menthol 4.1% and oil of cajuput 18.5%, clove 0.1%, eucalyptus 35.5%, juniper berry 2.7%, peppermint 35.5%, and wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) 3.7%), Buddha Nose Immune Booster Spray and Salve (lemon, clove, cinnamon, and ravensara essential oils), DHC-1 (Bacopa monniera, Emblica officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mangifera indica, and Syzygium aromaticum).
Dental sealants containing eugenol: Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer, Roth's 801, Eugenol-based IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material), Tifell (formocresol-eugenol), Pulp Canal Sealer, EndoFill.
Cement/temporary cement/periodontal dressings for dental work: ZOE?/SSW, Superbite, Canals, Endomethansone, N2, Endofill, Intrafill, Tubli-Seal, Kerr, periodontal dressings, Wondrpak? and Nobetec?, temporary cement Temp bond, Provy, TempCem, Eugedain, Showa Yakuhin Kakou, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT.
Note: Clove is not be confused with bagua?u, black plum, Eugenia cumini, Eugenia edulis, Eugenia jambolana, Eugenia umbelliflora, jamun, java apple, java plum, SCE, Syzygium cordatum, Syzygium cumini, Syzygium samarangense, water apple, or wax apple.

Background

Clove is widely grown in Indonesia, Sri-Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Brazil. It has been used to flavor food products. Clove has also been used to prevent infection and reduce pain, for which it has been approved by the expert panel German Commission E. Clove has been studied for other uses, such as premature ejaculation, fever, and dental pain, but more evidence is needed.
Clove is sometimes added to tobacco in cigarettes. Clove cigarettes ("kreteks") typically contain 60 percent tobacco and 40 percent ground cloves.
Clove oil has been associated with kidney and liver toxicity.

Evidence Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


Clove essential oil is commonly used for dental pain relief. Eugenol, the active ingredient in clove oil, is commonly used by dentists for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Studies report that homemade clove gel may be as effective as benzocaine 20 percent gel. A combination of zinc oxide and eugenol has been used as standard cement or filling in dental work. Although the evidence is promising, further study is needed in this area.

 B


Clove essential oil is commonly used for dental pain relief. Eugenol, the active ingredient in clove oil, is commonly used by dentists for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Studies report that homemade clove gel may be as effective as benzocaine 20 percent gel. A combination of zinc oxide and eugenol has been used as standard cement or filling in dental work. Although the evidence is promising, further study is needed in this area.

 B


Early research reports that a one percent clove oil cream may promote anal fissure healing. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

 C


Early research reports that a one percent clove oil cream may promote anal fissure healing. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

 C


Early evidence is promising for the use of clove in relieving symptoms of ascites. However, further studies looking at the use of clove alone are needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Early evidence is promising for the use of clove in relieving symptoms of ascites. However, further studies looking at the use of clove alone are needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Clove oil may have antibacterial effects that could benefit dental hygiene. Early study looked at the use of clove oil in combination with other agents, but there is conflicting evidence. Further research is needed.

C


Clove oil may have antibacterial effects that could benefit dental hygiene. Early study looked at the use of clove oil in combination with other agents, but there is conflicting evidence. Further research is needed.

C


Clove oil may help relieve headache. Early study suggests that clove bud oil, in combination with other agents, may decrease headache severity. However, more studies looking at clove oil alone are needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Clove oil may help relieve headache. Early study suggests that clove bud oil, in combination with other agents, may decrease headache severity. However, more studies looking at clove oil alone are needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Eugenol has been studied as an alternative to man-made mosquito repellents. Clove oil has been found to repel multiple species of mosquitoes for up to two hours, but may cause allergic skin reactions. Clove oil combined with other oils, such as geranium oil or thyme oil, has been studied. Further research is needed.

 C


Eugenol has been studied as an alternative to man-made mosquito repellents. Clove oil has been found to repel multiple species of mosquitoes for up to two hours, but may cause allergic skin reactions. Clove oil combined with other oils, such as geranium oil or thyme oil, has been studied. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited study has looked at the use of clove in combination with other herbs for premature ejaculation. Though results are promising, more research is needed on the use of clove alone for this condition.

 C


Limited study has looked at the use of clove in combination with other herbs for premature ejaculation. Though results are promising, more research is needed on the use of clove alone for this condition.

 C


Early evidence suggests that a combination therapy containing eugenol may help relieve symptoms of yeast infection. However, further study on the use of clove alone is needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Early evidence suggests that a combination therapy containing eugenol may help relieve symptoms of yeast infection. However, further study on the use of clove alone is needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
General: Experts say that intake should not exceed 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily. There is a lack of evidence to support any dose of clove taken by mouth.
For anal fissures, 1 percent clove oil cream has been applied to the skin three times daily for six weeks.
For dental pain, 2 grams of homemade clove gel has been applied to the mouth for four minutes, then reapplied for another minute. Eugenol gauze strip has been applied to the mouth after cleaning.
As a mosquito repellant, 0.1 milliliters of clove oil of different concentrations (5-100 percent) has been applied to 30 square centimeters of exposed skin was used.

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.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Clove may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Clove may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Clove may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Clove may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood, and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Clove may also interact with agents for muscle spasms, agents for the skin, agents for worm infections, agents that affect blood vessel width, agents that affect the central nervous system, agents that affect the immune system, agents that are toxic to the kidneys, agents that are toxic to the liver, agents that cause dental side effects, agents that kill insects, anesthetics, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungal agents, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antiprotozoal agents, anti-seizure agents, antiviral agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, dental agents, estrogens, fertility agents, pain relievers, and tyrosinase inhibitors.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Cisak E, Wojcik-Fatla A, Zajac V, et al. Repellents and acaricides as personal protection measures in the prevention of tick-borne diseases. Ann Agric.Environ.Med. 2012;19(4):625-630.
Dyrbye BA, Dubois L, Vink R, et al. A patient with clove oil intoxication. Anaesth.Intensive Care 2012;40(2):365-366.
Jackh C, Fabian E, van Ravenzwaay B, et al. Relevance of xenobiotic enzymes in human skin in vitro models to activate pro-sensitizers. J Immunotoxicol. 2012;9(4):426-438.
Jaganathan SK and Supriyanto E. Antiproliferative and molecular mechanism of eugenol-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Molecules. 2012;17(6):6290-6304.
Kobayashi M, Tsutsui TW, Kobayashi T, et al. Sensitivity of human dental pulp cells to eighteen chemical agents used for endodontic treatments in dentistry. Odontology. 2013;101(1):43-51.
Nelson RL, Thomas K, Morgan J, et al. Non surgical therapy for anal fissure. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;2:CD003431.
Parhi R, Suresh P, Mondal S, et al. Novel penetration enhancers for skin applications: a review. Curr Drug Deliv. 2012;9(2):219-230.
Petel R, Moskovitz M, Tickotsky N, et al. Cytotoxicity and proliferative effects of Iodoform-containing root canal-filling material on RAW 264.7 macrophage and RKO epithelial cell lines. Arch.Oral Biol 2013;58(1):75-81.
Revay EE, Junnila A, Xue RD, et al. Evaluation of commercial products for personal protection against mosquitoes. Acta Trop. 2013;125(2):226-230.
Scelza MZ, Linhares AB, da Silva LE, et al. A multiparametric assay to compare the cytotoxicity of endodontic sealers with primary human osteoblasts. Int Endod.J 2012;45(1):12-18.
Shapiro R. Prevention of vector transmitted diseases with clove oil insect repellent. J Pediatr.Nurs. 2012;27(4):346-349.
Silva EJ, Accorsi-Mendonca T, Almeida JF, et al. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up-regulation of gelatinases in human fibroblast cells by four root canal sealers. Int Endod.J 2012;45(1):49-56.
Sung B, Prasad S, Yadav VR, et al. Cancer cell signaling pathways targeted by spice-derived nutraceuticals. Nutr Cancer 2012;64(2):173-197.
Svedman C, Engfeldt M, Api AM, et al. Does the new standard for eugenol designed to protect against contact sensitization protect those sensitized from elicitation of the reaction? Dermatitis 2012;23(1):32-38.
Xing F, Tan Y, Yan GJ, et al. Effects of Chinese herbal cataplasm Xiaozhang Tie on cirrhotic ascites. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-31-2012;139(2):343-349.