Laung

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Clove
Hindi	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
• In preclinical (cell and animal) studies, 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?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Toothache and dental pain: traditionally used for toothache and dental pain. Its component eugenol is used in dental practice as an analgesic and antiseptic.
• Oral infections and wound care: traditionally used for oral infections and wound care. In vitro and clinical studies have reported broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
• Flatulence, colic and nausea: traditionally used as a digestive aid for flatulence, colic and nausea. Pharmacological studies have reported antispasmodic and carminative effects.
• Joint and muscle pain: traditionally used for joint and muscle pain. Studies have reported COX-2 inhibition and reduced inflammatory markers.
• Cough and sore throat: traditionally used for cough and sore throat. Studies have reported expectorant and antimicrobial activity.

What do recent studies 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
  Reported broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
• 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.
• 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

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

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

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

Synergistic Combinations

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