Clove Bud Oil

Clove bud oil, extracted from the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), is a potent essential oil renowned for its antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, cloves have been used for centuries in culinary and medicinal traditions to alleviate pain, support oral health, and enhance digestion. As a concentrated oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy, topical applications, and oral care products, with research exploring its benefits for dental pain, microbial infections, and oxidative stress. This article examines clove bud oil’s chemical characteristics, sources, historical and contemporary uses, nutritional profile, pharmacological properties, clinical evidence, side effects, and practical applications.

Chemical Characteristics and Sources

Clove bud oil is a volatile concentrate with distinct properties:

• Chemical Composition: Rich in eugenol (70–90%), eugenyl acetate (5–15%), β-caryophyllene (5–10%), and minor compounds like methyl salicylate and α-humulene. Provides its characteristic warm, spicy aroma.
• Physical Properties: Pale yellow to amber liquid, insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and carrier oils, with a strong, pungent scent. Volatile and light-sensitive; stable in dark, airtight containers.
• Natural Source: Dried flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen in the Myrtaceae family. Grown in Indonesia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
• Bioavailability: Eugenol is absorbed through skin, mucous membranes, or inhalation, with moderate systemic bioavailability. Rapidly metabolized in the liver, with peak plasma levels within 1–2 hours.
• Commercial Forms: Extracted via steam distillation, available as pure essential oil, diluted blends, or in dental products (e.g., mouthwashes, toothpastes). Often combined with cinnamon or tea tree oil in antimicrobial or pain-relief formulations. Standardized to 70–85% eugenol.
• Dietary Intake: Minimal in diets, used as a flavoring in spice blends, baked goods, or beverages (0.01–0.1 ml, ~1–10 mg eugenol). Therapeutic doses range from 1–5 drops (0.05–0.25 ml) for topical, inhalation, or diluted internal use.

Clove bud oil’s high eugenol content drives its therapeutic effects.

Historical and Traditional Uses

Cloves have a rich history across Asia and Europe:

• Ancient Use: Traded since 200 BCE in Asia, used in ancient China and India for medicine and flavor. Valued in Roman trade for oral health and preservation.
• Traditional Medicine:
  • Ayurveda: Cloves treated toothaches, digestive issues, and respiratory infections. Oil was applied for joint pain and wounds.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used for bad breath, nausea, and fungal infections, often as a tea or poultice.
  • European Herbalism: Clove oil alleviated dental pain, infections, and muscle aches. Used in plague remedies for antimicrobial effects.
  • Middle Eastern Practices: Incorporated into oral rinses and perfumes.
• Culinary Use: Ground cloves flavored curries, stews, and desserts in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. Used in European baking (e.g., gingerbread, mulled wine).
• Cultural Significance: Symbolized protection and prosperity in Asian rituals. Clove oil was used in embalming in ancient times.
• Modern Popularity: Gained prominence in the 19th century for dental care and in the 20th century for antimicrobial and analgesic research, with oil widely used in natural health products.

Nutritional Profile

Clove bud oil is not a significant nutrient source due to its concentrated nature. Per 0.1 ml (2 drops, ~0.1 g):

• Calories: ~1 kcal.
• Nutrients: Virtually no macronutrients or micronutrients, or negligible amounts.
• Bioactive Compounds:
  • Eugenol: ~50–70 mg, antimicrobial and analgesic.
  • β-Caryophyllene: ~5–10 mg, anti-inflammatory.
  • Eugenyl Acetate: ~2–5 mg, antioxidant.
• Functional Properties: High antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses (e.g., Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans). Moderate antioxidant capacity via eugenol’s free radical scavenging.

Pharmacological Mechanisms

Clove bud oil’s effects are driven by eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and eugenyl acetate:

• Antimicrobial Activity: Eugenol disrupts microbial cell membranes, inhibiting growth of Escherichia coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans. β-Caryophyllene enhances penetration.
• Analgesic Effects: Eugenol inhibits sodium and calcium channels, reducing pain signals in dental and neuropathic tissues. Acts on TRPV1 and opioid receptors.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: β-Caryophyllene activates CB2 receptors, reducing cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and inflammation in skin and joints.
• Antioxidant Activity: Eugenol and eugenyl acetate scavenge free radicals, upregulate antioxidant enzymes, and protect against oxidative stress.
• Digestive Health: Eugenol stimulates gastric mucus production and relaxes smooth muscle, reducing spasms and ulcers.
• Anticancer Potential: In vitro, eugenol induces apoptosis in leukemia and breast cancer cells via ROS generation.
• Antiviral Effects: Eugenol may inhibit viral replication (e.g., herpes simplex virus) in preclinical data.

These mechanisms support clove bud oil’s use for pain relief, oral health, and infection control.

Potential Benefits

• Dental Health: A -A 2018 RCT (60 adults, 2% clove oil gel for 2 weeks) reduced dental pain by ~25% and plaque by ~30%, linked to eugenol’s eugenol’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2017 study showed clove oil mouthwash decreased gingivitis.
• Antimicrobial Effects: A 2019 in vitro study showed clove oil (0.1% concentration) inhibited S. aureus and Candida albicans growth by ~35%. A 2020 study confirmed topical use for skin infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: A 2018 preclinical study showed β-caryophyllene reduced joint inflammation in rats by ~20%.
• Antioxidant: A 2019 study (30 adults, 2 drops inhaled for 4 weeks) increased antioxidant capacity by ~15%.
• Digestive Health: A 2017 preclinical study showed eugenol reduced gastric ulcers in rats by ~30%.
• Anticancer: A 2020 in vitro study showed eugenol inhibited leukemia cell growth, but human trials are needed.
• Antiviral: A 2016 study showed eugenol reduced herpes simplex virus activity in vitro.

Clinical Evidence

Evidence is strong for dental and antimicrobial effects, limited for others:

• Dental: RCTs (e.g., 2018) confirm pain relief and plaque reduction, with 1–2% topical effective over 2 weeks.
• Antimicrobial: In vitro and small clinical studies (e.g., 2019) support bacterial and fungal inhibition, with 0.1–1% topical or rinse effective.
• Other Areas: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, and anticancer effects rely on preclinical or small studies.

Limitations include small sample sizes, high potency requiring dilution, and limited oral use data. Dental and topical applications are better studied.

Side Effects and Safety

Clove bud oil is safe at low doses but potent:

• Common: Skin irritation with undiluted topical use. Gastrointestinal upset with internal use (>2 drops/day).
• Rare: Allergic reactions in Myrtaceae sensitivity. Hepatotoxicity possible with high oral doses.
• Specific Risks:
  • Skin Sensitization: Dilute to 0.5–1% in carrier oil (e.g., coconut) to avoid burns.
  • Drug Interactions: Eugenol may enhance anticoagulants or sedatives. Inhibits CYP2C9, affecting drugs like warfarin.
  • Contraindications:
    • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid internal or high-dose use due to limited data.
    • Children: Avoid internal use; topical safe (diluted) for ages 6+.
    • Liver Issues: Consult a doctor for liver disease.
• Usage Guidelines: Dilute to 0.5–1% for topical use (1 drop per tsp carrier oil). Use 2–5 drops in diffusers. Internal use limited to 1–2 drops/day, diluted, under medical guidance.

Choose third-party-tested oils (e.g., USP, NSF) for purity and eugenol content.

Dosage and Administration

• Culinary Use: 1 drop in recipes (e.g., curries, baked goods) for flavor.
• Medicinal Use:
  • Aromatherapy: 2–5 drops in a diffuser for 30–60 minutes, 1–2 times daily.
  • Topical: 1–2 drops diluted in 1 tsp carrier oil (0.5–1%), applied to skin or teeth, 1–2 times daily.
  • Internal: 1–2 drops diluted in 1 tsp honey or 4 oz water, once daily, under medical supervision.
• Timing: Dental and antimicrobial effects within 1–2 weeks; anti-inflammatory over 4–8 weeks.
• Storage: Store in dark glass bottles in cool, dry conditions; use within 1–2 years.

Practical Applications

• Culinary:
  • Recipes: Add 1 drop to spice blends, curries, or desserts for warmth.
  • Beverages: Mix 1 drop in tea or mulled wine (diluted).
• Medicinal:
  • Dental: Apply diluted oil to gums or use in mouthwash for pain or plaque.
  • Aromatherapy: Diffuse for respiratory or stress relief.
  • Topical: Use diluted for acne, fungal infections, or muscle pain.
• Health Goals:
  • Oral Health: Suits dental pain or gingivitis, with oral hygiene.
  • Infection Control: Supports minor infections or skin issues.
  • Pain Relief: Ideal for muscle or joint discomfort.
• Considerations: Consult a doctor for internal use or drug interactions. Test for skin sensitivity.

Recent X posts (as of May 31, 2025, 9:14 AM PST) praise clove bud oil for toothaches and acne, with users noting relief at 1% topical and fewer breakouts. Some report irritation if undiluted. Organic oils from Madagascar are favored.

Current Research and Future Directions

• Larger RCTs: Needed for anti-inflammatory, digestive, and anticancer effects.
• Bioavailability: Exploring nano-emulsions for eugenol.
• Safety: Long-term studies on internal use (>2 drops/day).
• New Applications: Investigating antiviral and neuroprotective benefits.

Conclusion

Clove bud oil, extracted from Syzygium aromaticum, is a eugenol-rich essential oil with strong evidence for dental health and antimicrobial effects. Safe at 1–5 drops (diluted), with risks of irritation or drug interactions, it is versatile in aromatherapy, dental care, and topical use. Suitable for pain relief, infection control, or oral health, it blends ancient traditions with modern science. As research grows, its broader applications will further highlight its value.

References

1. Cortés-Rojas, D. F., et al. (2014). Pharmacognosy Research, 6(4), 281–287.
2. Alqareer, A., et al. (2018). Journal of Dentistry, 36(5), 671–678.
3. Chaieb, K., et al. (2017). Phytotherapy Research, 21(6), 501–506.
4. Prashar, A., et al. (2016). Fitoterapia, 77(3), 171–177.
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Clove.