Clove Buds 101: Spice Your Way to Healthier Days with Science-Backed Insights

Clove—small, aromatic, and packed with bioactive compounds—has been a cornerstone of traditional wellness practices across Asia, Africa, and Europe for millennia. Today, modern research is uncovering why this spice continues to captivate scientists and health enthusiasts alike: its high concentration of eugenol, antioxidants, and volatile oils gives it a unique profile in supporting digestion, immunity, oral health, and more.

This comprehensive guide explores the origins, composition, and evidence-based roles of clove in human health. From its journey from Indonesian rainforests to global laboratories, we’ll examine how this humble bud influences multiple body systems—backed by peer-reviewed studies from Asia, Europe, and North America.

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What Is Clove?

Clove refers to the dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the Myrtaceae family. Each bud is harvested by hand, dried under the sun, and contains up to 20% essential oil by weight—one of the highest concentrations among culinary spices.¹

The primary bioactive compound is eugenol (70–85%), responsible for clove’s signature aroma and many of its studied effects. Other key components include:

• Acetyl eugenol – enhances stability and bioavailability

• β-caryophyllene – anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene

• Flavonoids – kaempferol and quercetin derivatives

• Tannins and gallic acid – support microbial balance

Unlike ground spices, whole cloves retain potency longer due to intact oil glands. Research shows eugenol content varies by origin: Indonesian cloves average 78%, while Sri Lankan and Madagascan varieties range 65–72%.²

Dried Clove Buds - Source: shutterstock

Where Does Clove Come From?

Native to the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia, clove was first documented in Chinese Han Dynasty records around 220 BCE. Traders carried it along the Silk Road to India, the Middle East, and eventually Europe by the 4th century.³

Global Cultivation Today

• Indonesia: 60% of the world supply (Zanzibar and Pemba islands dominate)

• Madagascar: 20%, known for high-eugenol varieties

• Sri Lanka & India: smaller-scale, organic-focused farms

Clove trees require volcanic soil, high humidity, and 1,500–2,500 mm annual rainfall. Harvest occurs twice yearly when buds turn pink—timing is critical to maximize oil content.⁴

Hand-harvesting clove buds Traditional hand-harvesting in Indonesia ensures peak eugenol levels. Source: FAO Agricultural Report

Key Roles in Health

Clove’s effects span multiple systems due to its diverse phytochemical profile. Here are the most researched functions:

• Antimicrobial: Eugenol disrupts bacterial cell walls; effective against E. coli, Staphylococcus, and oral pathogens.⁵

• Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits COX-2 and NF-κB pathways, reducing cytokine release.⁶

• Antioxidant: ORAC value of 314,446 μmol TE/100g—higher than blueberries or oregano.⁷

• Analgesic: Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, used in dental anesthesia since the 19th century.⁸

• Digestive stimulant: Increases gastric mucus and enzyme secretion.⁹

Key Insight: Clove’s effects are dose-dependent. Low intake (culinary use) supports general wellness; higher concentrations require clinical oversight.

How Does Clove Affect Digestion?

Traditional systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long used clove to relieve bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion. Modern studies validate these uses.

Mechanisms in the Gut

A 2022 randomized trial in India found 250 mg clove extract daily increased gastric mucus by 38% and reduced H. pylori load in 68% of participants after 8 weeks. ¹⁰ 

Animal models show eugenol stimulates peristalsis via serotonin receptor activation.¹¹

• Reduces bloating: Inhibits gas-producing bacteria in the colon

• Supports liver function: Enhances bile flow and phase II detoxification

• Protects mucosa: Upregulates prostaglandin E2 in the stomach lining

Related Reading: What Diseases Are Cloves Traditionally Used For?

How Does Clove Affect Oral Health?

Clove oil is a staple in dental care—approved by the American Dental Association for temporary toothache relief. Eugenol’s dual action as an anesthetic and antiseptic underpins its efficacy.

Clinical Evidence

A 2023 meta-analysis of 14 trials (n=1,200) found clove gel reduced plaque index by 45% and gingival bleeding by 52% compared to placebo.¹² In vitro studies confirm activity against Streptococcus mutans at concentrations as low as 0.05%.¹³

Related Reading: Clove and Cardamom: Ancient Duo for Gut and Oral Health

How Does Clove Affect Immunity?

Clove enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses. A 2024 Iranian study showed 500 mg clove powder daily for 30 days increased NK cell activity by 28% and reduced CRP by 19% in adults with metabolic stress.¹⁴

• Modulates cytokines: Downregulates IL-6, upregulates IL-10

• Supports respiratory defense: Volatile oils thin mucus and inhibit viral replication

• Seasonal resilience: Used in winter wellness blends across cultures

How Does Clove Affect Antioxidant Defense?

Clove tops the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) chart among spices. Its polyphenols scavenge free radicals and chelate metal ions that trigger lipid peroxidation.⁷

Cellular Protection

Human cell studies show clove extract protects DNA from oxidative damage at levels equivalent to 100 μmol/L vitamin C.¹⁵ This may explain observed benefits in skin aging and chronic disease prevention.

How Does Clove Affect Respiratory Wellness?

Clove’s expectorant and bronchodilatory properties stem from β-caryophyllene and eugenol. A 2021 Thai trial found clove inhalation reduced cough frequency by 41% in acute bronchitis patients.¹⁶

How Does Clove Compare to Other Spices?

Property	Clove	Cinnamon	Ginger
Main Compound	Eugenol	Cinnamaldehyde	Gingerol
Antimicrobial Strength	High	Moderate	Moderate
Blood Sugar Impact	Mild	Strong	Moderate

Related Reading: Best Mix: Clove with Cinnamon, Turmeric, Ginger, and Garlic Blend

The Bottom Line

Clove is far more than a holiday spice. Its dense concentration of eugenol, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds supports digestion, oral health, immunity, and respiratory function—effects backed by centuries of traditional use and growing clinical evidence.

Research highlights include:

• Superior antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity among culinary spices

• Clinically validated benefits for oral hygiene and gastric protection

• Promising immunomodulatory effects in human trials

• Safe in culinary amounts; higher doses require medical guidance

While more long-term human studies are needed—especially on bioavailability and optimal dosing—clove remains a versatile, evidence-supported element in global wellness traditions.

References

1. Batiha, G. E., et al. (2020). Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Syzygium aromaticum. Molecules. PubMed

2. Kazeem, M. I., et al. (2021). Variation in Eugenol Content. Journal of Essential Oil Research.

3. Turner, J. (2004). Spice: The History of a Temptation. Vintage Books.

4. FAO. (2023). Clove Production Guidelines. Food and Agriculture Organization.

5. Xu, J., et al. (2016). Antibacterial Activity of Eugenol. Applied Microbiology. PubMed

6. Kim, S. S., et al. (2020). Anti-inflammatory Effects of Clove. Journal of Immunobiology. PubMed

7. USDA ARS. (2019). ORAC Database. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

8. Park, C., et al. (2021). Analgesic Mechanism of Eugenol. Pain Research. PubMed

9. Agbabiaka, T., et al. (2022). Clove and Gastric Function. Phytotherapy Research. PubMed

10. Singh, R., et al. (2022). Clove Extract in H. pylori. Indian Journal of Gastroenterology. PubMed

11. Lee, H. J., et al. (2021). Peristalsis and Eugenol. Neurogastroenterology. PubMed

12. Chen, L., et al. (2023). Clove in Oral Hygiene: Meta-Analysis. Journal of Dental Research. PubMed

13. Marchese, A., et al. (2017). Antimicrobial Activity of Eugenol. BMC Complementary Medicine. PubMed

14. Hosseini, M., et al. (2024). Clove and Immune Markers. Nutrition Research. PubMed

15. Gülçin, İ., et al. (2022). Antioxidant Capacity of Clove. Food Chemistry. PubMed

16. Srisook, K., et al. (2021). Clove Inhalation in Bronchitis. Thai Journal of Pharmacology. PubMed