Syzygium aromaticum (Family Myrtaceae), commonly acknowledged as
clove, is one of the most valuable spices in the world trade market with global
distribution, though Indonesia has maintained its top position as a producer. Clove has
sustained its value in the past, dating back to 1700 BC, as is evident from clove found
in a ceramic vessel in Syria and modern society. It is well integrated into culinary and
non-culinary practices. Apart from culinary use, its distinctive chemical style has
demonstrated incredible potential for cosmetic, medicinal, nutrition, and agricultural
applications. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) of the clove is above
10 million, making it the most potent antioxidant source ever found in a natural system.
Clove imparts a vast range of activities due to various chemical compounds, for
example, phenolics, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and other hydrocarbon compounds.
The significant phytoconstituents present in clove oil are primarily eugenol (70-85%),
trailed by eugenol acetate (14-15%), and β-caryophyllene (5–12%). Their derivatives
result in an extensive gamut of biological activity as antifungal, herbicidal, nematicidal,
antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic,
antithrombotic, anaesthetic, pain-relieving, and insect repellent properties. Clove also
finds its exceptional locus among various traditional medicinal practices. Along these lines, it is wise to say that clove itself has magnanimous pride among
natural products. That is why we thought of covering its phytochemistry,
phytopharmacology, and traditional values in detail. This chapter aims to present a
comprehensive review of traditional and ethnomedicinal uses of clove in traditional
medicine. We will then discuss the pharmacological activities reported for clove.
Keywords: Antioxidant, Clove, Eugenol, Pharmacological properties,
Phytochemistry, Traditional medicine.
