What Are Clove Supplements?

Cloves, the aromatic flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia, have long been cherished for their sweet yet slightly bitter flavor and their intense fragrance. Beyond their culinary applications, cloves have played a role in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. Their rich composition of plant compounds, offering potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has prompted some to explore the potential health benefits of clove supplements. While human research on this topic remains limited, preliminary studies suggest that cloves may hold promise in several areas of health. However, it is essential to consider potential interactions with medications and safety concerns when exploring clove supplementation.

Benefits of Cloves

While cloves are commonly used as a culinary spice, some individuals turn to clove supplements, such as clove extract, clove oil, or ground cloves, for their potential health benefits.

1. High in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Cloves stand out as a rich source of plant compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The primary active compound in cloves, eugenol, constitutes a significant portion (70% to 90%) of clove essential oil. Eugenol has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties in various studies.

Studies conducted on animals and in vitro suggest that consuming cloves and clove oil may have potential anticancer effects by hindering tumor growth in different types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, these findings are promising but have not yet been conclusively established in human studies.

Furthermore, rodent studies imply that cloves possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially inhibiting enzymes like Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress often elevated in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease. Despite these encouraging results, there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm the effects of clove supplements on tumor growth or markers of inflammation and cellular damage in humans.

2. May Help Fight Infections

Cloves have a history of use in traditional medicine for treating infections, including respiratory infections. Research has shown that cloves offer antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially making them useful for the treatment and prevention of various infections.

Clove products, such as clove oil, have demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial properties against common human pathogens like Candida yeast and Aspergillus fungus. Additionally, clove-based mouthwash has shown promise in reducing pneumonia infections by reducing specific mouth bacteria. In a study involving ICU patients on ventilators, those treated with a clove-based mouthwash experienced a significantly lower risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia compared to those using a standard mouthwash.

Eugenol, the primary active compound in cloves, has displayed antiviral effects against hepatitis A, influenza A, and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Researchers have also explored whether clove compounds might offer protection against COVID-19, although human studies are required to confirm this potential benefit.

Despite positive findings from animal and in vitro studies, human research on the effects of clove supplements in preventing infections remains limited.

3. May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Emerging evidence suggests that clove extract supplementation might help lower blood sugar levels in both healthy individuals and those with prediabetes.

A small study involving 13 participants with normal and prediabetic blood sugar levels found that supplementing with 250 milligrams (mg) of clove extract daily for 30 days resulted in significant reductions in post-meal blood sugar levels compared to baseline. Researchers proposed that clove extract may achieve this effect by reducing glucose production in the liver. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind clove extract’s potential blood sugar-lowering properties.

How to Use Cloves

Clove supplements, available in various forms such as capsules, liquid extracts, and ground cloves, are readily accessible through online and health food store outlets. When considering the use of clove supplements, it is essential to be cautious, as there is limited evidence to guide recommendations regarding their appropriate use.

Dosing for clove supplements has not been definitively established due to the lack of substantial research. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests an acceptable daily intake of clove at 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. However, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to determine the right dosage for individual circumstances.

Safety Concerns

Cloves are generally considered safe for consumption in the amounts typically used in cooking and baking. Regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have recognized clove buds, clove oil, and eugenol as safe for consumption.

However, the safety of clove supplements, especially when consumed in high doses, is not well-established. It is crucial to note that clove supplements are likely unsafe for infants and young children, as there have been reports of severe side effects, such as liver damage, associated with their consumption.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also exercise caution and avoid clove supplements due to insufficient evidence regarding their safety for these groups.

Potential Drug Interactions

Clove supplements may interact with various medications, leading to potential complications. Individuals taking the following medications should be particularly cautious:

1. Blood Thinners: Clove supplements might interfere with blood clotting mechanisms, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. This interaction could be concerning for individuals taking blood thinners like warfarin. As such, it is advisable to avoid clove supplements if you are on anticoagulant therapy.

2. Antidiabetic Medications: Some preliminary research suggests that clove supplements may lower blood sugar levels. This effect could be problematic for individuals taking diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Therefore, individuals on diabetes medications should avoid high-dose clove supplements and consult with their healthcare providers.

3. Other Medications and Supplements: Clove supplements may also interact with other herbs and nutrients known to reduce blood sugar levels, such as cinnamon, bitter melon, and aloe. As the safety profile of clove supplements with various medications and dietary supplements remains uncertain, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider when considering their use.

Selecting Quality Clove Supplements

When contemplating clove supplementation, it is essential to choose products from reputable suppliers. Look for supplements from companies certified by third-party organizations like U.S. Pharmacopeia and NSF International, which establish stringent standards for supplement quality and safety.

Additionally, inspect supplement labels to identify all ingredients present in the product, as clove supplements may contain other herbs or components that could interact with medications or cause allergies.

Can You Take Too Much?

The potential risks associated with high doses of clove supplements in adults remain largely unknown. It is essential not to exceed the recommended dosage indicated on the supplement label when taking clove supplements.

Children under the age of three should avoid clove supplements altogether, as there have been reports of liver damage, seizures, and other abnormalities in response to the ingestion of undiluted clove oil.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the appropriate dosage of clove supplements, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Side Effects of Cloves

Due to the limited human research on the health effects of clove supplements, their potential side effects are not well-documented. However, it is worth noting that clove oil contains significant amounts of eugenol, which, when consumed in very high quantities, can lead to serious side effects such as seizures and liver injury. Therefore, clove essential oil should never be ingested.

A Quick Review

While cloves are primarily known for their culinary applications, they have also been valued for their potential health benefits. Cloves are rich in plant compounds, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may have positive effects on cancer prevention, infection treatment, and blood sugar regulation.

However, it is essential to emphasize that human evidence on the health benefits of clove supplements is limited, and the safety of high-dose supplementation is not well-established. To ensure safe and appropriate use of clove supplements, individuals should consult with healthcare providers and select products from reputable sources. Additionally, potential interactions with medications and dietary supplements should be considered, particularly for individuals on blood thinners or antidiabetic medications.

In summary, while cloves hold promise as a natural remedy, more comprehensive research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in various health contexts. As with any supplement, caution and informed decision-making are paramount to making the most of the potential health benefits that cloves may offer.