Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Lavanga

Syzygium aromaticum

Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. 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.

Key facts
Botanical nameSyzygium aromaticum
FamilyMyrtaceae · other entries in this family
OrderMyrtales
Taxon identifiersGBIF 3183002 · NCBI Taxonomy 219868

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishLavanga

Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

PropertyValueDescription
Rasa (Taste)Katu, TiktaPrimary taste
Guna (Quality)Laghu, TikshnaPhysical quality
Virya (Potency)SheetaHeating/Cooling effect
Vipaka (Post-digestive)KatuPost-digestive effect

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

Bioavailability: Eugenol rapidly absorbed orally with approximately 50% bioavailability. 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.

Optimal Timing: After meals for digestive carminative action; before meals for appetite stimulation; as needed for dental analgesia

Standardized Extract: Steam-distilled essential oil (minimum 85% eugenol by GC). CO2 extract preserving full terpenoid profile. Standardized dry extract (4:1) with minimum 12% eugenol. Water-soluble extract for mouthwash formulations.

Shelf Life: 36 months for essential oil; 24 months for dry extract powder; 30 months for tablets/capsules; 18 months for mouthwash preparations

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

Extraction Methods

  • Steam distillation (standard for essential oil)
  • Hydrodistillation
  • Supercritical CO2 extraction (superior aromatic retention)
  • Solvent extraction with ethanol
  • Ultrasound-assisted extraction
  • Enzyme-assisted extraction

Synergistic Combinations

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Zari AT, Zari TA, Hakeem KR. 2021. Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34885992 · doi:10.3390/molecules26237407
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Tsuchiya H. 2017. Anesthetic Agents of Plant Origin: A Review of Phytochemicals with Anesthetic ActivityMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 28820497 · doi:10.3390/molecules22081369
  12. Bezerra DP, Militão GCG, de Morais MC and others. 2017. The Dual Antioxidant/Prooxidant Effect of Eugenol and Its Action in Cancer Development and TreatmentNutrients. PMID 29258206 · doi:10.3390/nu9121367

Available from Age Ayurveda

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  • Acid ReliefTraditionally used to support comfortable digestion after meals.

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