- 2026-12
- Journal of ethnopharmacology 371
- Xing Yang
- Jihang Xie
- Sijing Su
- Jinyi Wu
- Lexin Wang
- Wanqiu Peng
- Yi Zhang
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Methods
- Data for this review were gathered from two primary sources: classical texts of traditional medicine (Bencao Gangmu, Dictionary of Chinese Ethnic Medicine) and peer-reviewed scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI). Studies pertaining to the pharmacology, clinical applications, and ethnomedical uses of clove and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. were retrieved using relevant keywords and subsequently underwent rigorous critical analysis.
Ethnopharmacology relevance
In traditional Chinese medicine, Eugenia caryophllyata Thunb. (Clove) is considered warm in nature and pungent in flavor, entering the spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney meridians (In traditional Chinese medicine theory, "meridian tropism" refers to the selective therapeutic effect of a medicinal substance on certain zang-fu organs and meridians of the human body. This herb primarily acts on the spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney, as well as their corresponding meridians). Its core functions are warming the middle to descend counterflow, dispelling cold to alleviate pain, and warming the kidney to assist yang (Through comprehensive regulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune network, it corrects functional decline centered on hypofunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axes-including the adrenal, thyroid, and gonadal axes-while also improving energy metabolism, enhancing immunity, and counteracting oxidative stress. In this way, it restores normal physiological function and internal homeostasis at multiple levels and through multiple targets). Traditionally, it is used to treat stomach cold vomiting, hiccups, epigastric and abdominal cold pain, and kidney deficiency impotence. Ancient people often held cloves in their mouths to eliminate bad breath, an effect closely related to its properties of warming the middle to dispel cold and its aromatic qualities for resolving turbidity.Aim of the review
A systematic review of Clove is presented herein, encompassing its historical applications, chemical composition, biological effects, and quality evaluation, with further insights into potential areas for subsequent investigation.Methods
Data for this review were gathered from two primary sources: classical texts of traditional medicine (Bencao Gangmu, Dictionary of Chinese Ethnic Medicine) and peer-reviewed scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI). Studies pertaining to the pharmacology, clinical applications, and ethnomedical uses of clove and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. Were retrieved using relevant keywords and subsequently underwent rigorous critical analysis.Result
As a traditional interior-warming medicinal, clove is considered in traditional Chinese medicine theory to be warm in nature and pungent in flavor, entering the spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney meridians. Its core efficacies are warming the middle to descend counterflow, dispelling cold to alleviate pain, and warming the kidney to assist yang. Traditionally, it is used for conditions such as stomach cold vomiting, hiccups, toothache, and impotence. Modern research indicates that its main chemical components are volatile oils (predominantly eugenol, with content reaching 15%-20%) along with non-volatile constituents such as flavonoids and tannins. Its pharmacological effects include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions (inhibiting periodontal pathogens and Helicobacter pylori), regulation of digestion (bidirectional regulation of gastrointestinal motility), antioxidant activity, analgesia, and inhibition of osteoclast activation. In terms of quality control, traditionally, those with large size, high oil content, and strong aroma were considered superior. The current Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China uses a eugenol content of not less than 11.0% as the core indicator. Future research needs to further refine the multi-index composite quality evaluation system and deeply elucidate the mechanisms of action of its bioactive components.Discussion
Current research on clove faces several limitations: a single quality evaluation index relying solely on eugenol content, an unclear pharmacodynamic material basis, fragmented understanding of its mechanisms of action, and developmental bottlenecks in resource utilization due to the poor stability of eugenol. Future prospects include constructing a knowledge graph that integrates multi-source data to explore the "medicinal material-component-target" associations; deepening research on bioactive substances and mechanisms, such as investigating the regulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels; refining a multi-index composite quality evaluation system; and making breakthroughs in technologies like nano-encapsulation to expand its applications in daily chemical products such as oral care and antibacterial gels. Overall, the goal is to transition from fragmented data to systematic knowledge, promoting quality standardization and industrial diversification.