Clove

Synonyms: Clove buds, Clove flowers

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Biological Source

Botanical name: Eugenia caryophyllus

Part used: dried flowering buds

Family: Myrtaceae

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Geographical Source

Native of indonesia.

Cultivated in Zanzibar, Brazil, Sumatra etc

Found in Madagascar, West Indies, India etc

Macroscopic features

Color: reddish brown

Odor: pungent

Taste: pungent and aromatic

Shape: subcylindrical

Size 10-13 mm long 2-4 mm thick

Other features:

• contains upper crown and hypanthium
• Hypanthium is subcylindrical and tapering at the end
• Crown region consist of calyx, corolla style and stamens.
• Calyx has four thick sepals. Contains four pale yellow colored petals which are imbricate, immature and membranous.

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Microscopic features (Hypanthium)

Single layered epidermis with thick cuticle.

Contains anomocytic (ranunculaceous) stomata

Cortex has three distinct regions

Peripheral region with 2-3 layers of schizolysigenous oil glands

Middle layer with bicollateral vascular bundle.

Inner layer with loosely packed arenchyma

Columella is present in the central region made up of parenchymatous which is rich in calcium oxalates.

Chemical constituents

Contain 14-21% volatile oil

Other constituent present are Eugenol, Acetyl eugenol, gallotanic acid, alpha and beta caryophyllene, methyl furfuryl, gum, resin and fibre.

Pharmacological action / Uses

Antiseptic, stimulant, carminative, aromatic and flavoring agent.

Also used as anodyne (pain killer) and antimetic.

Dentist use clove oil as an oral anesthetic and to disinfect the root canals.

Also used for the treatment of diarrhea, intestinal worms and other digestive aliments.

Eating cloves is said to be aphrodisiac.

Also used as stimulating expectorant in bronchial problems