Laung

Syzygium aromaticum

Laung (Syzygium aromaticum) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Myrtaceae family. [Antitumor Activity of the Ethanolic Extract from Syzygium aromaticum in Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41599187/). Tariq H, Alhudhaibi AM, Abdallah EM 2025.

Key facts
Botanical name	Syzygium aromaticum
Family	Myrtaceae · other entries in this family
Order	Myrtales
Pharmacopoeia status	WHO Monographs (2002) list Caryophylli floris aetheroleum (clove essential oil) for traditional topical use in toothache, minor oral/skin infections, minor wound dressing, sore throats, myalgia, rheumatic complaints, and insect bites. European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued community herbal monographs for Syzygium aromaticum preparations. Listed in European Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia, and Indian Pharmacopoeia.
Taxon identifiers	GBIF 3183002 · NCBI Taxonomy 219868

This entry and lavanga describe the same drug, Syzygium aromaticum, under different names. Both pages are kept because both names are in use; the other is treated as the primary record for citation.

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Laung
Latin/Botanical	Syzygium aromaticum

Key Phytochemical Constituents

Eugenol (85-95% of essential oil)
beta-Caryophyllene (13% of oil)
Eugenyl acetate
Gallic acid
Ellagic acid
alpha-Humulene
Oleanolic acid
Vanillin

How does it work?

Eugenol inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression, reducing prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
Anticancer activity through multiple pathways: induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and inhibition of NF-kB-mediated survival signaling
Antimicrobial mechanism via disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity, inhibition of protein synthesis, and interference with quorum sensing
Anesthetic/analgesic effect through inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels and TRPV1 receptor modulation in nociceptive neurons
Antioxidant activity through phenolic compound-mediated free radical scavenging and upregulation of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

Toothache and dental pain relief - extensively validated; eugenol is an established dental analgesic and antiseptic used worldwide in dental practice
Antimicrobial for oral infections and wound care - confirmed by in vitro and clinical studies showing broad-spectrum activity including against MDR bacteria
Digestive aid for flatulence, colic, and nausea - supported by pharmacological studies demonstrating antispasmodic and carminative effects
Anti-inflammatory for joint and muscle pain - validated by studies showing COX-2 inhibition and reduced inflammatory markers
Respiratory relief for cough and sore throat - supported by expectorant and antimicrobial studies relevant to upper respiratory infections

What do recent clinical trials show?

Yimsoo T, Taychaworaditsakul W, Chuntakaruk H and others 2026. Antitumor Activity of the Ethanolic Extract from Syzygium aromaticum in Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Mice. Pharmaceutics. PMID 41599187 · doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics18010079
Demonstrated anticancer efficacy of clove extract rich in gallic acid, ellagic acid, and eugenol in colorectal cancer xenograft models, with significant tumor growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis.
Tariq H, Alhudhaibi AM, Abdallah EM 2025. Syzygium aromaticum (clove buds) as a natural antibacterial agent: a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Frontiers in microbiology. PMID 41163998 · doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1674590
Confirmed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, positioning clove as a promising natural alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Kiki MJ 2023. In Vitro Antiviral Potential, Antioxidant, and Chemical Composition of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Essential Oil. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36985392 · doi:10.3390/molecules28062421
Demonstrated antiviral activity of clove essential oil against multiple viral strains, along with potent antioxidant capacity, supporting its use in infection prevention.
Dibazar SP, Fateh S, Daneshmandi S 2014. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) ingredients affect lymphocyte subtypes expansion and cytokine profile responses: An in vitro evaluation. Journal of food and drug analysis. PMID 28911459 · doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2014.04.005
Immunomodulatory study showed clove essential oil and water-soluble ingredients influence T-cell and B-cell proliferation and cytokine profiles, suggesting immunoregulatory potential.
Munteanu A, Gogulescu A, Șoica C and others 2024. In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil: Effects on Mitochondrial Function and Cytotoxic Potential Against Cancer Cells. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39683236 · doi:10.3390/plants13233443
Demonstrated cytotoxic effects against colon (HCT-116), breast (MCF-7), and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines through mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated apoptosis.

Recent safety updates

WHO classifies eugenol as a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substance with acceptable daily intake (ADI) of maximum 2.5 mg/kg body weight
High-dose eugenol can cause hepatotoxicity through quinone methide intermediate formation by peroxidases; cytotoxicity also linked to membrane disruption due to high lipophilicity and uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
Topical clove oil may cause contact dermatitis and mucosal irritation; oral high doses (40 mg/kg eugenol) can impair kidney function; avoid concurrent use with anticoagulant medications due to antiplatelet activity

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

Eugenol
Vanillin
Eugenyl acetate
Gallic acid
Ellagic acid
alpha-Humulene
Oleanolic acid

Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Essential oil, Tablets, Capsules, Toothache drops, Mouthwash, Lozenges, Taila (medicated oil), Topical gel

Standard Dosage: 1-3 g clove powder per day; 1-5 drops essential oil (diluted) for topical dental use; 250-500 mg extract capsules twice daily

Bioavailability: Eugenol has good oral bioavailability (~50%) with rapid absorption. Peak plasma levels reached in 20-30 minutes. Undergoes extensive hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation. Topical absorption through oral mucosa is rapid and effective. Eugenol acetate serves as a pro-drug with slower release profile.

Optimal Timing: After meals for digestive support; as needed for dental pain relief; morning and evening for oral hygiene products

Standardized Extract: Essential oil (BP/USP grade) with minimum 85% eugenol. Standardized bud extract (5:1) with minimum 15% eugenol. CO2 extract with full-spectrum aromatic profile. Aqueous extract standardized to 5% gallic acid equivalents.

Shelf Life: 36 months for whole dried buds; 18 months for ground powder; 36 months for essential oil in sealed containers; 24 months for capsules and tablets

Storage: Store whole cloves in airtight containers at room temperature. Essential oil in amber glass, tightly sealed, below 25 deg C. Ground powder rapidly loses potency - store in nitrogen-flushed, foil-lined sachets. Protect all forms from light and moisture.

Marker Compounds: Eugenol, Eugenol acetate, Beta-caryophyllene, Alpha-humulene, Gallic acid, Kaempferol, Oleanolic acid, Vanillin

Extraction Methods

Steam distillation (primary for essential oil)
Hydrodistillation
Supercritical CO2 extraction
Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
Cold pressing of buds
Microwave-assisted extraction

Synergistic Combinations

Ela/Cardamom (digestive and carminative synergy)
Dalchini/Cinnamon (warming digestive combination - Trikatu variant)
Haridra (oral health combination)
Pippali (bioenhancer, respiratory synergy)
Tulsi (antimicrobial oral care)

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Other clinical studies and reviews12

Sargsyan T, Simonyan HM, Stepanyan L and others. 2025. Neuroprotective Properties of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): State of the Art and Future Pharmaceutical Applications for Alzheimer's DiseaseBiomolecules. PMID 40149988 · doi:10.3390/biom15030452
Nazakat L, Ali S, Summer M and others. 2025. Pharmacological modes of plant-derived compounds for targeting inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive review on immunomodulatory perspectiveInflammopharmacology. PMID 40074996 · doi:10.1007/s10787-025-01664-7
Tariq H, Alhudhaibi AM, Abdallah EM. 2025. Syzygium aromaticum (clove buds) as a natural antibacterial agent: a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant bacteriaFrontiers in microbiology. PMID 41163998 · doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1674590
Maggini V, Semenzato G, Gallo E and others. 2024. Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil in Human Health TreatmentMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38474510 · doi:10.3390/molecules29050999
Tavvabi-Kashani N, Hasanpour M, Baradaran Rahimi V and others. 2024. Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and recent advances in Eugenol's potential benefits against natural and chemical noxious agents: A mechanistic reviewToxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. PMID 38191032 · doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107607
Taghipour Z, Bahmanzadeh M, Rahimi R. 2023. The Effects of Clove and Its Constituents on Reproductive System: a Comprehensive ReviewReproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.). PMID 37040058 · doi:10.1007/s43032-023-01223-x
Haro-González JN, Castillo-Herrera GA, Martínez-Velázquez M and others. 2021. Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Extraction, Chemical Composition, Food Applications, and Essential Bioactivity for Human HealthMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34770801 · doi:10.3390/molecules26216387
Zari AT, Zari TA, Hakeem KR. 2021. Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34885992 · doi:10.3390/molecules26237407
Vicidomini C, Roviello V, Roviello GN. 2021. Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 UtilityMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 33810416 · doi:10.3390/molecules26071880
Batiha GE, Alkazmi LM, Wasef LG and others. 2020. Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological ActivitiesBiomolecules. PMID 32019140 · doi:10.3390/biom10020202
Marchese A, Barbieri R, Coppo E and others. 2017. Antimicrobial activity of eugenol and essential oils containing eugenol: A mechanistic viewpointCritical reviews in microbiology. PMID 28346030 · doi:10.1080/1040841X.2017.1295225
Tsuchiya H. 2017. Anesthetic Agents of Plant Origin: A Review of Phytochemicals with Anesthetic ActivityMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 28820497 · doi:10.3390/molecules22081369

Cite this page. Age Ayurveda. “Laung.” Age Ayurveda Nighantu. Last reviewed 18 September 2026. https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/lavanga/
Machine-readable source: Markdown. Reviewed 2026-09-18.

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