Clove extract oil
Also known as: Clove, clove bud, clove oil, Eugenia caryophyllata, eugenol, Syzygium aromaticum
Overview
Clove extract oil is derived from the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), with its primary active compound being eugenol (70-85%). It is widely recognized for its strong aromatic properties and is traditionally used as a spice, flavoring agent, and in aromatherapy. Beyond its culinary uses, clove oil is valued for its potent natural antioxidant, antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal), analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Emerging research also suggests potential anticancer effects. While many studies are in vitro or animal models, systematic reviews support its efficacy, particularly in food preservation and as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. It is classified as an essential oil extract and a phytochemical supplement.
Benefits
Clove oil exhibits significant antioxidant activity, effectively inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage, which is particularly beneficial in food preservation and potentially in reducing biological oxidative stress. It demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against various pathogens, including bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi such as Candida species. The presence of eugenol contributes to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing pain and inflammation in experimental models. Furthermore, clove oil shows promising anticancer potential, exhibiting cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines (colon, breast, liver, cervical) by inducing apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial pathways. Secondary benefits include improving the shelf life and color of meat products. While most data are preclinical, its safety profile supports its use in food and topical applications.
How it works
Clove oil's primary mechanism of action involves its potent antioxidant effects through free radical scavenging and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Its antimicrobial activity stems from the disruption of microbial cell membranes and the inhibition of essential enzyme systems within pathogens. For pain relief, eugenol, the main active compound, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, thereby modulating nociceptive pathways and reducing inflammation. The observed anticancer effects are linked to the induction of apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial permeability transition, cytochrome c release, and the downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins like bcl-2. Eugenol is lipophilic, allowing for absorption via oral and topical routes, with its bioavailability influenced by formulation and metabolism.
Side effects
Clove oil is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use, and topical and oral applications are typically well tolerated at recommended doses. Common side effects, especially with topical use, include mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may involve gastrointestinal discomfort when ingested orally at higher doses. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of individuals, can include potential hepatotoxicity or mucosal irritation with excessive ingestion. Clove oil may interact with anticoagulants and drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes due to eugenol’s enzyme-modulating properties. It is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to clove or eugenol. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to limited safety data, and its safety in children is not well established, making topical use generally preferred over oral in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for systemic effects of clove oil is not firmly established. In food preservation, effective concentrations range from 2.65 mL/kg to 5% in meat products for improving oxidative stability. For topical analgesia, formulations typically contain 5-10% clove oil. Oral supplementation dosages vary widely and require further clinical validation. The maximum safe dose is crucial to observe, as toxicity has been reported with high oral doses exceeding 2.5 mL of pure oil; therefore, clinical doses should be conservative. Timing considerations indicate that effects on oxidative stability and antimicrobial activity occur rapidly. For therapeutic dosing, frequency depends on the specific indication. Essential oil is preferred for topical and food applications, while standardized extracts would be necessary for systemic therapeutic use. Its lipophilicity aids absorption, and co-administration with fats may enhance bioavailability.
FAQs
Is clove oil safe for daily consumption?
Clove oil is generally safe when consumed in food amounts. However, high-dose supplements should be used cautiously due to potential side effects at excessive levels.
Can clove oil be used for pain relief?
Yes, topical clove oil has demonstrated analgesic properties, primarily due to its active compound eugenol, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
How quickly does clove oil work as an antioxidant?
In food systems, clove oil's antioxidant effects on oxidative stability are rapid. Systemic antioxidant effects in humans require further scientific investigation to determine their onset and duration.
Does clove oil cure cancer?
No, there is no clinical evidence to support that clove oil cures cancer. While it shows anticancer effects in laboratory (in vitro) and animal studies, these findings need extensive human clinical validation.
Is clove oil effective against infections?
Clove oil exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi in laboratory settings and in food preservation. However, its clinical efficacy for treating human infections requires more research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10755278/ – This review summarizes the chemical composition and biological activities of clove oil, highlighting its strong antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and analgesic effects, primarily attributed to eugenol. It notes that while promising, most studies are in vitro or animal-based, with limited clinical data.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40647967/ – This systematic review, encompassing 43 studies from 1999-2024, focuses on clove essential oil's application in meat preservation. It demonstrates significant improvements in oxidative stability and shelf life of meat products at concentrations ranging from 2.65 mL/kg to 5%, despite heterogeneity in application methods and lack of human trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.987674/full – This comprehensive review details the pharmacological mechanisms of clove oil, including its antimicrobial, anticancer, and analgesic effects. It specifically highlights eugenol's role in inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines through ROS generation and mitochondrial pathways, while emphasizing the need for more human randomized controlled trials.
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