Eugenia caryophyllata extract
Also known as: Eugenia caryophyllata, Syzygium aromaticum, Clove, Clove bud, Clove essential oil
Overview
Eugenia caryophyllata extract, commonly known as clove or clove essential oil, is derived from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. The extract is primarily composed of eugenol (~83%), along with β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and eugenyl acetate. Traditionally, it has been used as an antiseptic, analgesic, and antimicrobial agent. In supplements, it is utilized for promoting oral health, exerting antimicrobial effects, and providing pain relief. The extract is rich in volatile oils, especially eugenol, which is largely responsible for its biological activities. It exhibits strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Research includes in vitro studies, animal models, and some clinical trials. Systematic reviews exist on essential oils including clove oil, but high-quality RCTs specifically on Eugenia caryophyllata extract in humans are limited.
Benefits
Clove essential oil demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts, with eugenol being the main active compound. This is supported by in vitro studies demonstrating significant bacterial kill rates. Systematic review evidence indicates clove oil reduces pain behaviors in animal models, likely via modulation of opioid and cholinergic systems. Analgesic effects have been demonstrated in animal pain models with statistically significant reductions in nociceptive behaviors. Additionally, studies suggest protective effects against renal inflammation induced by vitamin D toxicity in rats, linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical data in humans is limited but promising for oral antiseptic use.
How it works
Eugenol, the primary component of Eugenia caryophyllata extract, acts by disrupting microbial cell membranes and inhibiting bacterial enzymes, leading to bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. In terms of analgesic effects, eugenol is believed to modulate opioid receptors and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. The extract targets microbial pathogens and modulates nervous system pain pathways. As an essential oil, absorption occurs via mucosal membranes, although bioavailability data in humans is limited. These mechanisms contribute to the observed antimicrobial and analgesic properties of clove oil.
Side effects
Eugenia caryophyllata extract is generally recognized as safe in typical doses used in food and oral care. However, high doses or concentrated essential oils may cause irritation. Common side effects include oral mucosal irritation when used topically in high concentrations. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Systemic toxicity is rare but possible with ingestion of large amounts. Potential drug interactions exist with anticoagulants and drugs metabolized by liver enzymes due to eugenol's effects. It is contraindicated in individuals with known allergy to clove or eugenol. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to limited safety data.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Eugenia caryophyllata extract is not well-established. Topical applications for oral antiseptic effects commonly use clove oil diluted to 0.5-2%. Clinical trials vary, and analgesic effects in animal models used doses around 50-100 mg/kg (animal equivalent). The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, and excessive ingestion can cause toxicity. For antimicrobial use, repeated topical application may be needed, while analgesic effects are acute. It is typically used as an essential oil diluted for topical use or as extracts standardized to eugenol content. Absorption is enhanced by mucosal contact, and oral ingestion leads to first-pass metabolism.
FAQs
Is Eugenia caryophyllata extract safe for oral use?
Yes, in diluted forms it is commonly used as an oral antiseptic with minimal side effects. However, concentrated forms should be used with caution.
How quickly does it work?
Antimicrobial effects can occur within minutes to hours. Analgesic effects are seen acutely in pain models, suggesting a relatively fast onset.
Can it be ingested?
Small amounts in food are safe. Concentrated oils should be used cautiously due to potential toxicity at high doses.
Does it have anti-inflammatory effects?
Yes, supported by animal studies showing reduction in inflammation markers, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Is it effective against all bacteria?
It has broad-spectrum activity, but efficacy varies by species. It is not universally effective against all types of bacteria.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.640128/pdf – This systematic review examined the effects of various essential oils on pain and found that clove oil significantly reduced formalin-induced pain behaviors in animal models. The proposed mechanisms involve the modulation of opioid and cholinergic pathways, highlighting the analgesic potential of clove oil. The review suggests the need for more human RCTs to confirm these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3769004/ – This in vitro study analyzed the bactericidal effects of clove essential oil against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, identifying eugenol as the main active compound. The study demonstrated statistically significant bacterial kill rates with clear dose-response relationships, supporting the antimicrobial properties of clove oil. The in vitro design limits direct clinical correlation.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/KbzdypNvLZf7KKyDHCwFwnt/?format=pdf&lang=en – This animal study demonstrated that Eugenia caryophyllata extract reduced renal inflammation induced by vitamin D toxicity in rats, likely due to antioxidant phenolic compounds. The study used histological and molecular markers to confirm these effects, suggesting a protective role against renal inflammation. The lack of human data is a limitation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9521177/ – This article discusses the antimicrobial properties of clove essential oil, highlighting its effectiveness against a range of bacteria and fungi. It emphasizes the role of eugenol as the primary active component responsible for these effects. The review underscores the potential of clove oil as a natural antimicrobial agent.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/np50085a029 – This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of clove extracts. It identifies various compounds, including eugenol, and assesses their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The research provides insights into the potential health benefits associated with clove consumption.