Benefits Of Clove, Side Effects and Dosage Of Clove

More than 2,100 years—this is how long cloves have been recorded in historical texts from China, Sri Lanka, South India, Persia, and Oman, proving their long-standing significance. Beyond their well-known role as a culinary spice, cloves also provide numerous health benefits, including support for digestion, bone strength, and liver health.

A recent study published in Advances and Trends in Nutraceutical and Functional Plant-based Food further highlights the remarkable bioactive properties of clove, extending beyond nutrition into areas such as biotechnology and medicine (Chen & Carcea, 2023) [12].

The research outlines clove’s potential in antioxidant support, blood sugar regulation, antibacterial and antiviral activity, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and even weight management.

If you’ve ever searched "benefits of clove", you've likely encountered a flood of information. In this article, I’ll help you navigate through the science, breaking down complex findings into clear, accessible insights—so you can fully grasp why this ancient spice remains a powerhouse of health benefits today.

What is Clove?

Clove, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, is a dried flower bud from the Myrtaceae family. The clove tree produces both leaves and buds, with the flower buds ready for harvest after approximately four years of growth.

Today, cloves are widely utilized in medicine, the food industry, and perfumery, making them a highly valuable spice and medicinal ingredient. Originally native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, cloves are now cultivated in various countries worldwide [1, 4].

Nutrition of Clove

Clove is not only a spice that adds a warm, pungent flavor to foods and beverages but also a rich source of essential nutrients [3].

The nutritional composition of 100g of ground cloves includes:

• High energy content: Provides 323 Kcal, helping to fuel the body [6].
• Rich in fiber and minerals: Contains calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus, which support bone health, blood circulation, and the nervous system [6].
• Abundant in vitamins: Includes vitamin C, A, B1, B2, and B3, which boost immunity and aid metabolism [6].
• Contains healthy fats (20.06g) and carbohydrates (61.22g): Provides essential energy for the body [6].

With its impressive nutritional profile, cloves not only enhance the flavor of dishes but also offer numerous health benefits.

Benefits of Clove

Support Digestive Health    

Cloves have long been known for their ability to support digestive health by stimulating digestive enzyme activity, allowing the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently. When digestion functions properly, food breaks down faster, reducing the risk of bloating, gas, and indigestion [1, 5].

Additionally, cloves help protect the stomach lining thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds in cloves can soothe irritation, reduce stomach damage, and support individuals with digestive ulcers [5].

Moreover, cloves possess strong antibacterial properties that help eliminate harmful bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced microbiome. Maintaining a stable gut microbiota can reduce digestive issues such as diarrhea and intestinal infections [5].

Antioxidant Property

Cloves are a rich source of natural antioxidants due to their high content of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, thymol, and eugenol acetate. These compounds contribute to antioxidant activity through several mechanisms:

Neutralizing free radicals: Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA. The phenolic compounds in cloves donate hydrogen atoms, effectively neutralizing these harmful molecules and reducing the risk of premature aging and disease [1, 4].

Preventing lipid peroxidation: This process occurs when free radicals attack lipids in cell membranes, leading to damage and inflammation. Eugenol, the primary compound in cloves, has been shown to protect cell membranes from lipid peroxidation, maintaining cellular stability [6].

Enhancing the body's natural antioxidant defenses: Cloves can stimulate key antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes help the body combat oxidative stress more efficiently and naturally [5].

Benefits for Liver Health

Cloves, particularly their active compound eugenol, have been studied for their potential to protect the liver, reduce inflammation, and improve liver function.

First, eugenol has been shown to shield the liver from damage caused by harmful agents such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Animal studies suggest that cloves may support liver recovery and reduce the risk of liver injury [5].

However, animal studies have certain limitations, and further human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects and understand their full impact on liver health.

Additionally, β-caryophyllene—another key compound in cloves—plays a role in inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells, thereby limiting liver fibrosis [5].

Beyond that, the anti-inflammatory properties of cloves help reduce liver inflammation and protect liver cells from oxidative stress-related damage [5].

Furthermore, cloves support liver function by decreasing lipid peroxidation—a process that can impair liver cells—while enhancing the body’s natural antioxidant enzyme system, promoting overall liver health [5].

It can be said that cloves are like a reliable assistant to the liver, helping to reduce inflammation, protect cells, and maintain stable function.

Support Bone Health

Strong bones are essential for maintaining mobility and overall health. Research suggests that cloves may support bone health due to their rich content of eugenol and phenolic compounds, which help protect bones from inflammation and oxidative damage [2].

There is a fact that bone loss is a common consequence of aging, leading to osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures. This condition affects both men and women, with bone density decreasing over time [11]

However, cloves can help reduce this bone loss process. Eugenol has been found to inhibit bone-resorbing factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2—compounds linked to inflammation and reduced bone density [2].

Moreover, thanks to their powerful antioxidant properties, cloves help shield bone cells from free radical damage, promoting bone strength and reducing age-related bone deterioration [2].

May Kill Bacteria

For centuries, cloves have been used as a natural remedy to combat bacteria. Modern research has confirmed that cloves possess powerful antibacterial properties, primarily due to eugenol—a compound known for its ability to eliminate various disease-causing bacteria [5].

One of the key antibacterial mechanisms of cloves is their direct impact on bacterial cell membranes. Because eugenol is lipid-soluble, it can penetrate bacterial cell walls, disrupting their structure and rendering them incapable of reproduction [4]. This makes cloves effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

To make it easier to understand, imagine the bacterial cell membrane as a strong boundary that helps bacteria survive and grow. Eugenol in cloves acts like an "intruder" because of its lipid-loving nature, allowing it to easily penetrate this boundary. Once inside, eugenol damages the bacteria, limiting them from continuing to grow.

Beyond that, cloves also reduce the formation of bacterial biofilms—protective layers that shield them from antibiotics and the immune system. By breaking down biofilms, particularly those of Staphylococcus aureus, cloves help limit chronic infections and enhance the effectiveness of treatments [4].

Additionally, cloves have been shown to combat various harmful pathogens, including foodborne bacteria like E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium, as well as Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach ulcers [4, 7].

Some studies even suggest that eugenol may inhibit Neisseria gonorrhoeae (a drug-resistant strain of gonorrhea) and support respiratory health by protecting against infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae [7].

Benefits for Tooth

Cloves are not just a spice but also a natural remedy for oral health. They have long been used in dentistry due to their pain-relieving, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The key compound responsible for these benefits is eugenol, a substance with anesthetic effects that can effectively kill bacteria [2, 5].

One of the most notable benefits of cloves is their ability to soothe toothaches. By inhibiting pain signals from nerves, eugenol acts as a natural anesthetic, providing quick relief from tooth pain without the need for synthetic painkillers [7, 5].

Beyond pain relief, cloves also help protect oral health by fighting bacteria. Studies have shown that they can eliminate bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease, particularly Streptococcus mutans—a major cause of tooth decay [7]. This helps reduce the risk of infections and promotes long-term oral health.

Additionally, cloves are used in oral care products, such as mouthwashes containing linalool—a compound that helps kill bacteria and freshen breath [5].

With these benefits, cloves not only provide instant pain relief but also contribute to a healthier oral environment, by naturally and effectively reducing dental issues.

May Lower Blood Sugar

Cloves are widely believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the active compounds in cloves may aid in blood sugar control and improve insulin resistance, offering promising possibilities for managing metabolic disorders [7].

One of the key mechanisms behind the effects of cloves is their ability to mimic insulin activity. Research on liver cells has shown that clove extract can reduce the expression of genes associated with glucose production, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase.

This process helps lower the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream, contributing to better blood sugar stability [7].

Imagine insulin as a key that unlocks the door for glucose to enter cells, allowing the body to use energy efficiently. Cloves have the ability to "mimic" this key, helping to better regulate blood sugar levels.

Specifically, they can reduce the activity of certain "factory workers" in the liver responsible for producing glucose, leading to less sugar being released into the bloodstream.

Additionally, cloves activate the PPAR-γ receptor, a protein that plays a crucial role in improving insulin sensitivity. Compounds such as dehydrodieugenol and oleanolic acid found in cloves are believed to have effects similar to diabetes medications, helping regulate blood sugar levels and enhance energy metabolism [7].

Furthermore, oleanolic acid—an important component of cloves—helps lower blood glucose levels after meals, functioning similarly to insulin. A study on diabetic mice found that when oleanolic acid was combined with insulin, its blood sugar-lowering effects were significantly enhanced, leading to better glucose control [7].

Other Benefits of Clove

Cloves are not only known for their benefits in digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control but also offer several other potential advantages:

Reducing Inflammation and Pain: Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues. Compounds in cloves, particularly eugenol, have been shown to inhibit inflammatory mediators, helping to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and support the treatment of inflammatory conditions [1].

Because of these properties, cloves may be beneficial for individuals dealing with arthritis, muscle pain, or chronic inflammation-related disorders.

Enhancing Memory: Beyond physical health benefits, cloves have also been studied for their effects on brain function. In traditional Chinese medicine, a formula containing ethanol extract from clove buds has been noted for its potential to improve memory impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease [7].

This suggests that cloves may help protect nerve cells, support memory, and enhance cognitive function.

Side Effects of Clove

While cloves offer numerous health benefits, they are not entirely safe in all situations. Excessive consumption or sensitivity to cloves may lead to unwanted side effects.

Understanding these potential risks can help ensure safe and effective use:

• Increased Risk of Bleeding: Cloves have blood-thinning properties, which may slow blood clotting and lead to prolonged bleeding, especially for individuals taking anticoagulant medications [5].
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Certain compounds in cloves can lower blood sugar levels, potentially causing dizziness, fatigue, or even fainting, particularly in people with diabetes [5].
• Potential Toxicity: Overconsumption, especially of clove essential oil or concentrated extracts, may lead to liver damage over time [5].
• Skin Irritation: Clove may cause skin inflammation, redness, or allergic reactions, particularly when undiluted essential oil is applied directly to the skin [5, 1].
• Numbing and Oral Irritation: Chewing or holding cloves in the mouth may cause temporary numbness, loss of sensation, and gum irritation, especially when used in large amounts [5].

How Much Clove Should You Take?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended safe daily intake of clove is 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight [1].

This means that a person weighing 60 kg (132 lbs) can safely consume around 150 mg of clove per day. However, this amount may vary depending on individual health conditions and the intended use. Over consumption may lead to digestive issues, mucosal irritation, or affect blood clotting.

I understand that after reading about the benefits of cloves, you may want to try them. However, be careful—read the side effects carefully and consult your doctor if you plan to use them for a long time or in combination with medication.

When Should You Take a Clove?

The timing of clove consumption can influence its health benefits. Depending on your goals, taking clove at different times of the day may provide various advantages:

• In the morning: If you want to boost your immune system or increase your antioxidant intake, you can consume clove in the morning with warm water or herbal tea.
• After meals: Clove can aid digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing bloating. Drinking clove tea or chewing a small amount of clove after meals may help improve digestion.
• Before bedtime: Some people take clove in the evening to promote relaxation, reduce inflammation, or help regulate blood sugar levels overnight.

Uses of Clove

Clove is a versatile ingredient used in various fields, from culinary applications to health care. Here are some common ways to benefit from this spice:

• In Cooking: Clove has a warm, spicy aroma and flavor, making it a popular addition to stews, curries, soups, and baked goods. It is also used to brew tea, providing a comforting taste while aiding digestion.
• Topical Use: Due to its pain-relieving properties, clove oil can be applied directly to areas affected by toothaches or mild inflammation to ease discomfort. However, it should be diluted before use to prevent skin irritation.
• In Aromatherapy: Clove essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and purify the air, thanks to its natural antibacterial properties.
• As a Supplement: Clove extract is available in capsule or tablet form as a dietary supplement, offering support for digestion, immune function, and antioxidant intake.

It is estimated that approximately 83.3% of user reviews on Amazon for a specific clove-containing supplement indicate that users have experienced health benefits from the product.*

The positive review from user Olga Ivanenko about a dietary supplement containing 100mg of Clove per serving is as follows:

“I bought the product to detoxify parasites. I try to do this periodically to feel good. The product is quite effective, the dosage and size of the capsules are convenient, and it also contains natural ingredients.

So far I am satisfied with everything, I think this is a fairly effective method for maintaining my intestines in order and eliminating all parasites.”*

Conclusion

Cloves are a natural ingredient that offer numerous health benefits, including supporting digestion, protecting the liver, regulating blood sugar, and promoting oral and bone health. However, to maximize these benefits while avoiding potential side effects, it is essential to use cloves in the right dosage and with appropriate methods.

Whether incorporated into cooking, traditional medicine, or wellness therapies, cloves remain a valuable remedy worth adding to your daily routine. Use cloves wisely to optimize their health benefits!