Phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Syzygium aromaticum: A review

Abstract

Syzygium aromaticum (Family Myrtaceace) commonly called clove is most important and second valuable spice in world trade and is widely cultivated in North Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometery (GC-MS) studies of essential oil revealed the presence of eugenol as major compound. Phytochemical analysis of essential oil showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavanoids, glycosides, tannins and steroids. The essential oil of S. aromaticum possess various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, herbicidal, nematicidal, antitumor and anti-inflammatory. This review covers the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of cloves, it’s essential oil and various extracts.