Organic Whole Cloves
Also known as: Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Clove, Clove bud, Lavang, Syzygium aromaticum
Overview
Cloves, derived from the aromatic flower buds of *Syzygium aromaticum*, are a spice with a rich history in traditional medicine and culinary applications. The primary bioactive compounds include eugenol (60-90%), β-caryophyllene (5-15%), and eugenyl acetate (5-15%). Historically, cloves were used for dental analgesia and food preservation. Modern research explores their antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Evidence ranges from preclinical studies to phase II-equivalent human cancer models. Cloves are available in various forms, including whole cloves, ground spice, clove oil, and standardized extracts. They are sourced from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.
Benefits
Cloves offer several evidence-based benefits. They exhibit significant antioxidant capacity, comparable to synthetic antioxidants like BHT, as demonstrated in DPPH radical scavenging assays. Ethyl acetate extract of cloves (EAEC) has shown dose-dependent tumor suppression in colorectal cancer xenografts (p<0.05 vs control), indicating anticancer activity. Additionally, cloves possess antimicrobial action, effective against oral pathogens at concentrations of 0.2-0.4%. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, with eugenol inhibiting COX-2 in vitro (IC₅₀ ~8μM), and analgesic properties demonstrated by topical eugenol. However, human clinical evidence for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects is limited.
How it works
Cloves exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. The ethyl acetate extract (EAEC) induces cell cycle arrest by upregulating p21ᴡᵃᶠ¹/ᶜⁱᵖ¹ and causing G₀/G₁ phase arrest. It also promotes apoptosis by increasing γ-H2AX (a DNA damage marker) and caspase activity. As an antioxidant, clove extract scavenges hydroxyl radicals, exhibiting an IC₅₀ of 0.03mg/ml in ORAC assays. These actions collectively contribute to the observed anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Eugenol, a primary component, plays a significant role in these biological pathways.
Side effects
Common side effects of clove consumption include oral numbness (10-15% at >1g doses) and gastrointestinal irritation. Rare but serious adverse effects include hepatotoxicity, primarily reported in case studies involving the ingestion of large quantities (>5ml) of clove essential oil. Cloves are contraindicated in individuals with bleeding disorders due to their antiplatelet effects and should be avoided before surgical procedures. Drug interactions include potentiation of anticoagulants and hypoglycemic medications. Safety warnings emphasize moderation in consumption and caution in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking medications that affect blood clotting or glucose levels.
Dosage
For culinary use, a typical dosage of whole cloves is 1-3g per day. The therapeutic range for standardized clove extract is 500-1000mg daily, equivalent to 50-100mg of eugenol. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guideline sets a maximum safe intake of 2.5mg eugenol per kg of body weight per day. Eugenol exhibits approximately 20-30% oral absorption, with a Tₘₐₓ (time to maximum concentration) of 1-2 hours. It's important to note that bioavailability data is primarily extrapolated from essential oil studies, and specific data for whole clove absorption is lacking.
FAQs
Can cloves replace cancer treatment?
No. While ethyl acetate extract (EAEC) shows preclinical efficacy in cancer models, human trials are lacking. Cloves should not be used as a replacement for conventional cancer treatments.
Are cloves safe for long-term use?
Culinary doses of cloves appear safe for long-term use. However, consumption of extracts at doses exceeding 1g per day requires medical supervision due to potential side effects.
What is the best form of cloves for antioxidant benefits?
Whole cloves are preferred for retaining the full spectrum of phytochemicals, offering a broader range of antioxidant compounds compared to isolated eugenol.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10755278/ – This systematic review analyzed 37 preclinical studies and found that clove oil exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with MIC₉₀ values ranging from 0.1-1.2mg/ml. The review highlights the potential of clove oil as an antimicrobial agent, but notes that clinical translation remains unclear due to the lack of human studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4132639/ – This preclinical study investigated the effects of clove extract on tumor growth using HCT116 xenografts. The study found that 50mg/kg of ethyl acetate extract (EAEC) reduced tumor volume by 58% compared to the control group (p<0.01). The authors note the need for further research to determine the optimal OA:EAEC ratio and to validate these findings in human trials.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551727/ – This resource provides general information about herbs and their potential interactions with drugs. It serves as a reference for understanding the potential risks associated with combining herbal supplements, like cloves, with conventional medications, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3819475/ – This comparative analysis assessed the antioxidant activity of clove extract using DPPH, ORAC, and β-carotene assays. The study found that clove extract outperformed the synthetic antioxidant BHT in radical scavenging, with EC₅₀ values of 0.03 vs 0.06mg/ml, respectively. The authors conclude that clove extract is a potent natural antioxidant, although the findings are limited to in vitro models.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cloves – This article provides a general overview of the nutritional benefits of cloves. It highlights the potential health benefits of cloves, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and discusses their traditional uses in medicine and cooking. It is a general resource and not a primary research article.
Supplements Containing Organic Whole Cloves
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