Cloves: Properties and Benefits

Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatories

The cloves have a high antioxidant power. For this reason, they are a valid aid to counteract the activity of free radicals and to slow down cell aging. According to the research, antioxidants are compounds capable of reducing oxidative stress, a condition that can cause various chronic diseases. ( 1 )

According to studies, eugenol, a compound found in cloves, acts as a natural antioxidant. During the experiments this compound has been shown to reduce oxidative damage 5 times more effectively than vitamin E. ( 2 )

Another antioxidant compound present in the spice is vitamin C. Studies confirm that vitamin C reduces the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This property helps prevent several chronic diseases. ( 3, 4 )

Thanks to the good content of polyphenols, they also possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Bone Health

The eugenol contained in the cloves preserves the density and mineral content of the bones, thus bringing benefits in the case of osteoporosis. To confirm this, an Indian study has shown that the extract of cloves with a high eugenol content improved the markers of osteoporosis and bone density.

Spice is also a good source of manganese. A study on animals has shown that taking manganese supplements for 12 weeks improved mineral density and bone growth.

Cancer

Recent studies suggest that the properties of cloves may be useful in the fight against tumors. A study by Chinese and Americans found that the clove extract can block tumor growth. Furthermore, this compound also succeeds in inducing the death of cells affected by apoptosis. ( 5 )

An Indian study has arrived at the same result. In tests, concentrated amounts of clove oil caused the death of esophageal cancer cells in 80% of cases. ( 6 )

Also the eugenol present in the spice has been shown to have anticancer properties. In a study conducted in the United Arab Emirates, this compound has destroyed the diseased cells of cervical cancer. ( 7 )

However, it must be remembered that a very concentrated amount of oil was used in the studies cloves and eugenol. In very high quantities, eugenol is toxic and oil can cause liver damage. ( 8 )

Further studies are needed to see if smaller amounts can have the same effects on humans.

Analgesic Properties

The cloves also have properties analgesic / anesthetic and can be used to derive benefits in case of toothache, gingivitis and periodontitis. Since ancient times they seem to have been chewed to get rid of toothache.

Antimicrobials

Recent studies have shown that this spice has properties bactericidal and fungicidal properties. It is also anti-infective and has its benefits in treating the oral cavity, especially with regard to abscesses. ( 9 )

An Argentine study has shown that the essential oil obtained from the spice is effective against 3 types of bacteria. One of these is Escherichia coli, a bacterium capable of causing various disorders and, in the most serious cases, even death. ( 10 )

Another study found that cloves have useful properties to stop the growth of two types of bacteria responsible for gum disease. ( 11 )

Digestive

The active ingredients contained in the spice increase gastrointestinal secretions. They therefore benefit digestion in case of constipation or indigestion. They are also useful for reducing flatulence, nausea and gastric irritability.

Liver Health

A study conducted on animals, in collaboration between India and the USA, found that eugenol reversed the development of liver cirrhosis and the signs of scarring of the liver. ( 12 )

A Dutch study found that taking eugenol supplements for a week reduces the markers of liver disease. ( 13 )

Let us once again remember that excessive doses of eugenol are toxic. A British study of a two-year-old child showed that doses of 5 to 10 ml of clove oil cause liver damage. ( 14 )

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine in India uses cloves to treat tooth decay and halitosis while in Chinese medicine it is used as an aphrodisiac.

Help for diabetics

Some studies have shown that the extract of cloves has a behavior similar to that of insulin.

A Japanese animal study found that spice extract reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. ( 15 ) Other promising news for diabetics comes from Pakistan. Here the researchers have discovered that cloves and nigericine increase the absorption of sugar by the cells.

The study also found that the cells responsible for insulin secretion improve their function. It can be deduced that the consumption of this spice, combined with a balanced diet, could be useful to keep blood sugar under control. ( 16 )

Cloves: Properties and Benefits

Cloves and ORAC

The term ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) indicates the absorption capacity of foods against free radicals. To this end, many in vitro food biological samples have been studied and examined and, based on the results, tables have been drawn up with the relative values.

The spice was found to be in first place as far as spices are concerned, with a very high value of 314.446.

Contraindications

At the right doses there are no particular contraindications, while excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Their use is not recommended for pregnant women and those with ulcer and colitis problems.

Curiosity

The plant is native to Indonesia where it seems that it was already known more than 2,000 years before the coming of Christ. In ancient times the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the spice were already known to the populations of the time who used it to create perfumes and medicinal applications.

Thanks to their properties antiseptic and aromatic, may be used to replace the naphthalene or camphor in closets to repel moths. Simply stick them in the peel of an orange and place it in the closets that contain the clothes.

These vegetables can also be used to remove odors from containers (glass jars, jars, etc.) that have not been used for a long time. To do this, simply insert 4/5 cloves inside.

Ancient writings found in China tell that the people who at the time had to talk to the emperor had the obligation to keep a few cloves in their mouth to smell the breath.

In Indonesia they are used to produce flavored cigarettes. Unfortunately it has been shown that this type of cigarette is much worse than traditional. In fact it seems that the quantity of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide entering the lungs is greater than with traditional cigarettes.

The clove , thanks to their properties therapeutic and aromatic, are used in aromatherapy to treat various ailments such as colds, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism and arthritis.

Maybe not Everyone Knows That

In northern Italy they are used as an ingredient in the preparation of a hot drink based on red wine, mulled wine.

The name “clove” probably derives from the fact that its bud reminds both a carnation and a nail.

Currently cloves are mainly cultivated in the warm countries of southern Africa and in Indonesia.

Thanks to their aromatic properties, they are used in various parts of the world to flavor tea and infusions.

From one plant two harvests of cloves are obtained per year and on average a plant produces about one kilo per harvest.

Cloves: Properties and Benefits

Italian language version

Disclaimer:

This is not a medical newspaper, the information provided by this site is for informational purposes only and is of a general nature, it cannot in any way replace the prescriptions of a doctor or other health professionals authorized by law. The notions of dosage, medical procedures and product descriptions on this site have an illustrative purpose and do not allow to acquire the necessary experience and manual skills for their practice or their use. If you have been prescribed medical care I urge you not to interrupt or modify them, because all the suggestions you find on www.mr-loto.it must always and in any case be compared with the opinion of your doctor.

Water	g	9,87
Protein	g	1,40
Carbohydrates	g	65,53
Sugars	g	2,38
Fat	g	13
Fibers	g	33,9
Ashes	g	5,63
Phytosterols	mg	256
Minerals
Calcium	mg	632
Copper	mg	0,368
Iron	mg	11,83
Magnesium	mg	259
Manganese	mg	60,12
Phosphorus	mg	104
Potassium	mg	1020
Selenium	mcg	7,2
Sodium	mg	277
Zinc	mg	2,32
Vitamins
Vitamin A	IU	160
Vitamin A, RAE	mcg	8
B1	mg	0,158
B2	mg	0,220
B3	mg	1,560
B5	mg	0,509
B6	mg	0,391
Vitamin C	mg	0,2
Vitamin E	mg	8,82
Vitamin J	mg	37,4
Vitamin K	mcg	141,8
Beta Carotene	mcg	45
Lutein Zeaxanthin	mcg	103
Folate	mcg	25

Cloves

Cloves are a spice with surprising therapeutic properties supported by scientific research. According to science, these are their health benefits

Index

Chemical Composition

Calories