It is versatile, popular, fragrant and valuable spicy dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum or Eugenia cariophylata tree which belongs to Myrtaceae family which is native to Indonesia. It has unique flavor, aroma and color in culinary cuisine but also have significant importance in traditional medicine, aroma therapy and preservation. It is easily available spice with numerous health and medicinal benefits. How cloves are helpful in fixing our health issues? We will discuss here. Let’s break down,
NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF CLOVES
Cloves are antioxidant, vitamins and minerals rich flower bud. It contains vitamin like C, K, E and B6, minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese along with carbohydrates, beta sitosterol, nigericin, fibers, protein and fat.
REDUCTION OF INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS
Antioxidant rich profile of clove (ascorbic acid, vitamin E, eugenol) is helpful in neutralizing harmful radicals responsible for cell damage and provide support against inflammation and oxidative stress. It provides resistance to oxidative stress which is the key risk factor of many ailments as diabetic, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis and cancer.
ANTI- AGING AND NEUROPROTECTIVE ROLE IN ALZHEIMER DISEASE
According to recent pre-clinical studies findings, eugenol is multi target therapeutic agent for Alzheimer disease (AD) as follow,
• Exhibits improvement in cognitive impairment and decline function by reducing amyloid plaque deposition and by preventing neuronal cell loss.
• By increasing resistance to oxidative stress, there will be reduction in neuroinflammation which will promote neuronal health.
• Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyryl cholinesterase enzymes activities boost cholinergic activities which is important for learning and memory.
• According to some study findings, eugenol promote longevity and improve health span in AD models by acting as potential anti-ageing agent.
However, future clinical trials in human will clear the fact Wheater it is effective human for AD or not and at which dose it will slow down the progression of pathogenesis of AD.
CLOVES AND PEPTIC ULCERS
Peptic ulcer can be define as imbalance between acid secretion and mucosal lining (a protective lining) causes the sores or ulcers into stomach or intestine. Cloves exhibits anti ulcerogenic properties by reducing acid secretion and by increasing mucus production. It can be used for ulcer treatment along with conventional therapy as complementary therapy.
According to WebMD, studies suggest that eating cloves in large amount could be beneficial in strengthening or thickening the mucus layer and minimize the risk of developing ulcers.
According to Health line, clove oil may be effective against Helicobacter pylori or H Pylori in the Test tube research, a bacteria which usually disrupt mucosal lining and allow acids to erode stomach lining or wall by creating sore or ulcer or even gastric ulcers.
Eugenol is the main polyphenolic compound of cloves which exhibits anti ulcerogenic activity. According to Pub Med, eugenol has shown anti ulcerogenic effects with the following mechanism
• Via opening K (ATP) channels
• By reducing acid- pepsin secretion
• By enhancing mucin production
• By reducing oxidative stress and scavenging free radicals
• By preventing harm full increase of nitric oxide level
CLOVES AND LIVER HEALTH
Cloves due to presence of eugenol and others powerful nutrients support liver health and functions by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and by removing free radicals responsible damage to liver. It boost detoxification process by removing toxins out of body and by improving enzymes activity.
According to WebMD, cloves may help to improve sign and symptoms of liver cirrhosis and fatty liver diseases.
According to 2022 animal study findings in HEALTH LINE, clove extract may reduce liver damage caused by thioacetamide.
However, excess amount of cloves or its extract/oil may damage the liver therefore, moderation is the key to prevent any adverse effect
CLOVES AND TOOTH ACHE
Presence of eugenol in cloves provides temporary relief in toothache by its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, natural an aesthetic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
ANTICOAGULATION EFFECTS OF CLOVES
Phenolic compound eugenol in cloves slow down clotting process by inhibiting platelet aggregations and thromboxane synthesis. It increases the risk of bleeding and care must take when taken along with blood thinner medication as warfarin, heparin and aspirin.
CLOVES AND BONE HEALTH
Vitamin C (for collagen production), manganese (for bone formation and density maintenance) and Vitamin K (facilitating calcium absorption) along with eugenol, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components support and preserve bone health.
SUGAR LEVEL AND CLOVES
Eugenol and nigericin in cloves reduces insulin resistance by improving cellular glucose uptake and insulin function. It also enhances insulin production.
According to The FASEB Journal, the flag ship publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology suggest that intake of 1 to 3 g of cloves per day is useful for people with type 2 diabetes by decreasing risk factors of diabetes such ad glucose, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol level with no changes in HDL level.
Some studies are highlighting that clove extract decreases sugar level before and after meal in healthy pre-diabetic volunteers.
Care must be taken because large amount intake may lower sugar level very much
RESPIRATORY HEALTH AND CLOVES
Cloves soothe cough by loosen mucus and by acting as natural expectorant during cold and winter associated respiratory issues. Clove tea soothes sore throat and reduces irritation. Anti-inflammatory properties of cloves support over all respiratory health by combating oxidative stress and inflammation.
CLOVES AND IMMUNITY
Rich nutrient profile (minerals and vitamins) of cloves along with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties boost immunity of body.
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Antimicrobial properties include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal action against microbes. Due to anti-bacterial potential, it is used in mouth washes and tooth paste to support oral health and as food preservative agent to preserve food. Clove oil is effective against Candida Albicans and also slow down viral infection.
CONCLUSION
We can say that nutraceutical potential of cloves will provide assistance in fixing many health issues. However, moderation amount intake and consultation with health care provider should be considered. Future studies and research will definitely support us in makings any decision with respect to its particular health benefit in any particular condition.
