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Whole Clove Extract

Also known as: Syzygium aromaticum, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Clove, Whole Clove Extract, Clove Bud Extract

Overview

Whole Clove Extract is derived from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum. It is characterized by a high concentration of phenolic compounds, primarily eugenol (up to ~85%), along with eugenol acetate and gallic acid. Traditionally used as a spice and flavoring agent, clove has also served as a topical analgesic. Modern applications span medicinal, cosmetic, food, and agricultural sectors, owing to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and potential antiviral properties. Research on clove extract is moderately developed, with numerous in vitro, animal, and some human studies. However, there is a relative scarcity of large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses specifically on whole clove extract supplements. The quality of evidence varies, with promising mechanistic and preliminary clinical data, but limited high-powered clinical trials.

Benefits

Clove extract offers several potential health benefits. A controlled human study indicated that polyphenol-rich clove extract significantly reduced post-meal blood glucose by 21.5% in healthy individuals and 27.2% in prediabetics over 30 days, suggesting benefits for glycemic control. Clove extract exhibits strong antioxidant properties due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content, outperforming some standard antioxidants in vitro. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, supporting its traditional use in infection control. Furthermore, eugenol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which may reduce pain and inflammation. Preliminary reviews suggest clove may have roles in antiviral therapy and antithrombotic effects, but these are based on mechanistic and in vitro data, requiring clinical validation. Individuals with prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance may benefit most from clove extract’s blood sugar-lowering effects.

How it works

The primary bioactive compound in clove extract, eugenol, acts as a phenolic antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals. It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation and pain. In cancer cells, eugenol induces apoptosis via mitochondrial permeability transition and reactive oxygen species. The antimicrobial effects arise from eugenol binding to bacterial enzymes (e.g., DNA gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase), disrupting microbial metabolism. Clove extract modulates oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, microbial flora, and glucose metabolism. Eugenol is lipophilic and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract; however, detailed pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized.

Side effects

Clove extract and eugenol are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use, and topical and oral use in moderate amounts is typically well-tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. High doses of eugenol may cause mucosal irritation or hepatotoxicity in rare cases; however, no significant adverse events have been reported in clinical studies at typical supplement doses. Eugenol may potentiate anticoagulants due to its antithrombotic properties, so caution is advised when used with blood thinners. It should be avoided in individuals with known allergies to cloves or eugenol. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not well established, so use with caution in these populations.

Dosage

A minimum effective dose of clove extract is not firmly established. A clinical study used a polyphenol-rich clove extract dose sufficient to reduce postprandial glucose over 30 days (exact mg not specified in source). Typical clove oil doses range from 50-200 mg eugenol daily in supplements. High doses of eugenol (>2.5 mg/kg body weight) may pose toxicity risks, but supplements generally stay well below this level. Post-meal administration may optimize blood sugar-lowering effects. Whole clove extract standardized for eugenol content is preferred. Lipid-based formulations may enhance bioavailability.

FAQs

Is clove extract safe for daily use?

Yes, at typical supplement doses it is generally safe, but high doses may cause irritation or interact with blood thinners.

How soon will I see benefits?

Blood sugar effects were observed within 30 days in a small study.

Can clove extract replace diabetes medication?

No, it may be an adjunct but not a substitute for prescribed treatments.

Is clove extract effective against infections?

It has demonstrated antimicrobial activity in vitro, but clinical efficacy requires more research.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/7/1880 – This systematic review discusses clove’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties, highlighting eugenol’s molecular mechanisms. The evidence presented is largely preclinical and mechanistic, with the authors calling for more clinical trials to validate these findings in human populations.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.987674/full – This narrative review summarizes clove’s antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, and anticancer activities. It emphasizes the role and safety profile of eugenol, noting the FDA GRAS status and potential therapeutic applications of clove extract. The review highlights the need for further research to fully understand and utilize clove's benefits.
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2019/10/clove-extract-safely-lowers-blood-sugar – This article reports on a small RCT (n=13) showing significant reductions in postprandial glucose (21.5% in healthy, 27.2% in prediabetic) after 30 days of polyphenol-rich clove extract supplementation. While the study is limited by its small sample size, the results are statistically significant, suggesting a potential benefit for blood sugar management.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40283940/ – This GC-MS and computational study identifies eugenol as 58.86% of clove extract and demonstrates its superior antioxidant activity compared to standard antioxidants. The findings support clove’s potential as a natural antioxidant source, highlighting its value in combating oxidative stress.