2418. Clove

Nomenclature

Caryophyllus.

Description and references

Evergreen tree, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry, also known as Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. and Caryophyllus aromaticus L., Myrtaceae. Habit. Southeast Asia; cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. Parts used are the dried buds (cloves) and the essential oil produced from them. Constit. 15-21% volatile oil, sterols, e.g. sitosterol, ≈6% protein, ≈61% carbohydrate, ≈20% lipids. Review: A. Y. Leung, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1980) pp 130-132.

Derivative

Clove oil.

Nomenclature

Oil of clove.

Description and references

Volatile oil from dried flower buds. Constit. 60-90% eugenol, 2-27% eugenyl acetate, 5-12% β-caryophyllene, minor constituents such as methyl amyl ketone, methyl salicylate, benzaldehyde. Extraction procedures: A. A. Clifford et al., J. Anal. Chem. 364, 635 (1999).

Properties

Colorless to pale yellow liq, becoming darker and thicker with age. d2525 1.038-1.060. nD20 1.530. Insol in water. Sol in 2 vols 70% alcohol. Keep well closed, cool and protected from light.

Use

Flavoring agent in foods; fragrance component in dentifrices, soaps, lotions, perfumes; commercial source of eugenol. Pharmaceutic aid (flavor).

Therapeutic Category

Carminative, counterirritant. Clove oil as analgesic (dental).

Keywords

Clove Oil: Analgesic (Dental)