Clovetree

The clove tree is a 10-20 m tall tree species belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) with evergreen, 10-15 cm long, oval leaves and yellowish-white, aromatic-smelling flowers. Syzygium aromaticum is native to the Philippines and the Moluccas and is also found in Madagascar.

The clove tree is the parent plant of Caryophilli flos, the officinal cloves from dried flower buds. The flower buds contain an essential oil containing the substance eugenol . The oil (clove oil) also contains small amounts of the substances acetyleugenol and ß-caryophyllene.

According to Ph.Eur.8,Caryophylli flores aetheroleum, the officinal clove oil, is the essential oil of the flower buds, flower stems and leaves. According to ÖAB the essential oil of the flower buds.

Clove trees are cultivated in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Seychelles, various countries of the world. Seychelles, various areas on the East African coast.

The clove oil and the clove itself are used. In the case of clove oil, a distinction is made between the oils of the various parts of the plant.

The clove is used for cooking and baking and in the food industry as a flavouring and aromatic substance. Vanillin and isoeugenol and other eugenol derivatives are synthesized from eugenol .

Eugenol and Isoeugenol play an important role as allergens. Sensitizing potency: Medium. Frequency of sensitization: Occasional. Sensitization ( contact allergy; urticaria) is mainly found on dental material by dental staff. Cross-reactivity exists to Peru Balsam. Clove oil also seems to have an antimycotic and antibacterial effect. Even today it is still a standard agent for tooth root fillings.

The DKG has so far tested clove oil 2% in Vaseline. This application form is no longer available as a test substance in Germany. Therefore, the test substance Eugenol 1% in Vaseline is now (as of 2016) recommended. Clove oil consists of 90% eugenol, which is also contained in the fragrance mix.

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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