Health Benefits of Cloves

1. Contain important nutrients

Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients.

SUMMARY

Cloves are low in calories but a rich source of manganese. They’re otherwise an insignificant source of nutrients.

2 .May help protect against cancer

Some research suggests that the compounds found in cloves might help protect against cancer.

One test-tube study found that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and promoted cell death in cancer cells (10Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study observed similar results, showing that concentrated amounts of clove oil caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells (11Trusted Source).

The eugenol found in cloves has also been shown to have anticancer properties.

A test-tube study found that eugenol promoted cell death in cervical cancer cells (12Trusted Source).

However, keep in mind that these test-tube studies used very concentrated amounts of clove extract, clove oil, and eugenol.

Eugenol is toxic in high amounts and overdosing on clove oil may cause liver damage, especially in children. Further research is needed to determine how lower amounts may affect humans (13Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Test-tube studies show that the compounds in cloves may reduce cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

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3.May reduce stomach ulcers

Some research indicates that the compounds found in cloves could help treat stomach ulcers.

Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.

They’re most commonly caused by reductions in the protective lining of the stomach, which are due to factors like stress, infection, and genetics (27Trusted Source).

In one animal study, essential oil from cloves was shown to increase the production of gastric mucus (28Trusted Source).

Gastric mucus functions as a barrier and helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining from digestive acids (29Trusted Source).

Another animal study found that clove extract helped treat stomach ulcers and exhibited effects similar to those of several anti-ulcer medications (30Trusted Source).

Though the anti-ulcer effects of cloves and their compounds may be promising, further studies are needed on their effects in humans.

4.Can kill bacteria

Cloves have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria (14Trusted Source).

One test-tube study showed that clove essential oil killed three common types of bacteria, including E. coli, which is a strain of bacteria that can cause food poisoning (15Trusted Source).

What’s more, the antibacterial properties of cloves could even help promote oral health.

In one test-tube study, the compounds extracted from cloves were found to stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease (16Trusted Source).

Another study in 40 people tested the effects of an herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves, and basil.

After using the herbal mouthwash for 21 days, they showed improvements in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth (17Trusted Source).

In combination with regular brushing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves may benefit your oral health. 

SUMMARY

Studies show that cloves may promote oral health, thanks to their antimicrobial properties, which may help kill harmful bacteria.