Lavanga
Syzygium aromaticum
Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) is a plant drug, also called Devapuspa and Laung. Buccal absorption is rapid, useful in dental formulations. Beta-caryophyllene shows improved bioavailability in lipid vehicles. Glucuronidation is the primary metabolic pathway. Enteric coating can delay release for lower GI targeting.
| 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 |
| Sanskrit | Devapuspa |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Laung, Lavanga |
| English | Clove |
| Tamil | Kirambu, Lavangam |
| Malayalam | Grampu, Karampu, Karayampoovu |
| Telugu | Lavangalu |
| Kannada | Lavanga |
| Marathi | Lavang |
| Bengali | Lavang |
| Gujarati | Lavang |
| Urdu | Laung, Qarnful |
| Punjabi | Long |
| Oriya | Labanga |
| Assamese | Lan, Lavang, Long |
| Kashmiri | Rung |
Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. How we source.
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 2017 to 2025, every one with a DOI.
- 12Other clinical studies and reviews
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Clove |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
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 was reported in cell and animal studies 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. Eugenol is used in dental practice as an analgesic and antiseptic.
- Oral infections and wounds: 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
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. - 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, Capsules, Tablets, Dental preparations, Mouthwash, Kwatha (decoction), Avaleha (confection), Modaka (bolus)
Standard Dosage: 1-2 g powder per day; 250-500 mg extract capsules twice daily; 1-3 drops essential oil topically (diluted); 0.5-1 g in Avaleha formulations
Optimal Timing: After meals for digestive carminative action; before meals for appetite stimulation; as needed for dental analgesia
Storage: Essential oil: amber glass, tightly sealed, 15-25 deg C, away from direct sunlight. Dry extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH below 60%. Clove buds whole: airtight at room temperature, up to 3 years.
Marker Compounds: Eugenol, Beta-caryophyllene, Eugenyl acetate, Alpha-humulene, Methyl salicylate, Kaempferol, Rhamnetin, Crategolic acid
Synergistic Combinations
- Ela/Cardamom (aromatic digestive)
- Maricha/Black pepper (Trikatu-type warming combination)
- Twak/Cinnamon (combined warming spice therapy)
- Jatiphala/Nutmeg (digestive and carminative)
- Haridra (antimicrobial synergy)
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
- 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
- 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
- 2024. Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil in Human Health TreatmentMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38474510 · doi:10.3390/molecules29050999
- 2024. Bioactive properties of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil nanoemulsion: A comprehensive reviewHeliyon. PMID 38163240 · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22437
- 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
- 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
- 2022. Recent advances in nutritional composition, phytochemistry, bioactive, and potential applications of Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae)Frontiers in nutrition. PMID 36313111 · doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1002147
- 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
- 2021. Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34885992 · doi:10.3390/molecules26237407
- 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
- 2020. Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological ActivitiesBiomolecules. PMID 32019140 · doi:10.3390/biom10020202
- 2017. Antimicrobial activity of eugenol and essential oils containing eugenol: A mechanistic viewpointCritical reviews in microbiology. PMID 28346030 · doi:10.1080/1040841X.2017.1295225
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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Acid ReliefTraditionally used to support comfortable digestion after meals.Ask about this on WhatsApp
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