Caryophilli flos

Medicinally used constituents of dried flower buds of the clove tree. Caryophilli flores is the subject of Commission E and WHO monographs, see Caryophylli floris aetheroleum.

The active ingredients of Caryophylli flos are different amounts of essential oil (Ph.Eur.8 minimum 15%) with about 85-95% eugenol as main component, 3% oleanolic acid (caryophylline a triterpene apogenin), 6-12% fatty oil, tannins, flavonoids and small amounts of vanillin.

antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and local anesthetic.

As a stomachic, Caryophilli flos 1-5% is used as mouthwash. In dentistry clove oil is used undiluted for root canal fillings.

In folk medicine it is used for insect bites.

The ingredients of cloves, eugenol and isoeugenol play a major role as allergens. Sensitizing potency: Medium strength. Frequency of sensitization: Occasional. Sensitization ( contact allergy; urticaria) is mainly found on dental material by dental staff. Cross-reactivity exists to Peru Balsam.

Repha-Os® Mouth spray, Salviathymol® drops

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2. Dibazar SP et al (2014) Immunomodulatory effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) constituents on macrophages: in vitro evaluations of aqueous and ethanolic components. J Immunotoxicol 12: 124-131
3. Geier J et al (2016) News on the epicutaneous test series of the German Contact Allergy Group. Dermatology at work and in the environment 64: 70-75
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8. Sultana B et al (2015) In vitro antimutagenic, antioxidant activities and total phenolics of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L. seed extracts. Pak J Pharm Sci 27:893-899