• Clove
  • Clove

Clove

  • Scientific Name
    Eugenia caryophyllus
  • Family
    Myrtaceae
  • Origin
    Indonesiaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Clove, commonly known as “Chouji,” is an evergreen tree within the Myrtaceae family, reaching heights between 10 and 15 meters. While this tree produces fragrant flowers and is referred to as “百里香” in China due to its aromatic qualities, it is the unopened flower buds.The term “clove” originates from the French word “clou,” meaning nail, aptly describing the bud’s appearance. The Chinese name “Chouji (dingzi)” also signifies nail, reinforcing this visual association through the character “丁子” (clove). In modern dentistry, compounds derived from cloves continue to play a role in disinfection and pain relief. Indonesia, alongside several other countries, stands as a major producer of cloves.

Essential oil composition

Clove

  • Clove

  • INCI
    Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Bud
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    15%（dried）
  • Notes
    Top - Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Spice

Clove Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Approximately 15% of clove essential oil is derived from clove buds through steam distillation, resulting in a colorless to pale yellowish liquid. Its primary constituent, eugenol, known for its antibacterial and analgesic properties makes it a valuable medicinal resource. This essential oil boasts a spicy and sweet aroma, featuring the distinctive and exotic scent characteristic of clove. It harmonizes exceptionally well with a variety of other essential oils, particularly those with sweet and robust profiles, such as Lavender, Patchouli, and Rose. A small quantity of clove oil can be discreetly incorporated into blends to impart a profound, sweet fragrance with added depth. Given its potent scent, it is advisable to maintain a balanced blend, ensuring not to overpower by using excessive amounts.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Eugenol　73.0%
  • Eugenyl acetate　16.0%
  • β-Caryophyllene　6.6%
  • Other components　4.4%

Functions and Efficacies

Eugenol

Eugenol
  • IUPAC Name
    2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H12O2
  • Molecular Weight
    164.20 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    97-53-0
  • Structure
    Phenylpropanoid

Functions and Efficacies of Eugenol

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-oxidant Effects ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○
Analgesic Effects ○

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that eugenol possesses DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and the capacity to inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophils induced by PMA and H2O2.1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that the membrane-bound ATPase activity of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes was reduced by the addition of eugenol.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported that the addition of eugenol reduced the cell viability of human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5 and lung cancer adenocarcinoma cells A549. Additionally, it was found to inhibit cell migration and invasive ability as observed through wound healing and transwell assays.3)

Analgesic Effects

A study reported that when artificially cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons were stimulated, eugenol was reported to inhibit sodium channel action potentials. 4)This observation led to the suggestion that the inhibition of sodium channels in neurons can impede the transmission of pain signals, which has potential implications for pain management.

  • 1)Perez-Roses et al., J. Agric. Food Chem., 2016
  • 2)Gill et al., Int. J. Food Microb., 2006
  • 3)Fangjun et al., Thoracic Cancer, 2018
  • 4)Hwang et al., Biomolecules, 2020

IFRA

Eugenol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Eugenol

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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