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Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, also known as Eugenia caryophyllata) are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family native to Indonesia. The essential oil of clove is known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, cytotoxic, insect repellent, and anesthetic activities.1,2 It is used topically in herbal medicine to alleviate pain and facilitate healing,3 and has been used in traditional medicine to confer analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic activity.4 Cloves also are used in fragrances and for food flavoring.2
The two main constituents of clove oil are eugenol (78%) and beta-caryophyllene (13%). Although clove oil and its primary components are generally recognized as safe, a 2006 in vitro study by Prashar et al. found that clove oil and eugenol displayed cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Clove oil, in concentrations as low as 0.03%, was noted for being exceedingly cytotoxic, with up to 73% of this effect ascribed to eugenol, with beta-caryophyllene displaying no toxicity.3 In addition to beta-caryophyllene and the phenylpropanoid eugenol, other important constituents of clove essential oil are the phenylpropanoids carvacrol, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde.2
Topical applications and human studies
constituent, eugenol.5 It also has been used as a penetration enhancer in various forms of topical products, including creams, ointments, gels, and patches.6
Palmar hyperhidrosis
In 2017, Ibrahim et al. treated 45 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis with clove oil 45% in liposome, with 20 patients in a control group treated with 0.9% saline solution. Subjects were assessed by gravimetry testing and hyperhidrosis disease severity scale to determine the impact of clove oil on decreasing the sweating rate in patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis. Gravimetry testing revealed that the sweating rate decreased significantly in the clove oil group but that there was no significant improvement in the placebo group. The investigators concluded that twice-daily topical application of 45% clove oil in liposome for 2 weeks showed promise in significantly reducing palmar sweating.5
Pruritus
That same year Ibrahim et al. evaluated the effects of topically applied clove oil in treating 50 patients with chronic pruritus due to hepatic, renal, or diabetic origin. The investigators divided the subjects into two groups of 25, with the first directed to hydrate their skin before applying topical clove oil twice daily for 2 weeks. The second group was instructed to apply topical petrolatum by hand on the same schedule. Using the 5-D itch scale, researchers noted a significant improvement in all parameters in the patients using clove oil and no such improvements in the petrolatum group. They concluded that particularly for patients whose topical or systemic treatments are not well tolerated or are contraindicated.7
Anal fissure
In 2007, Elwakeel et al. evaluated the use of a clove oil 1% cream for the treatment of chronic anal fissure as opposed to the traditional treatment of stool softeners and lignocaine cream 5% in a single-blind randomized comparative trial over 6 weeks. Healing was observed in 60% of the 30 patients in the clove oil group and in 12% of the 25 patients in the control group at the 3-month follow-up visit. The researchers concluded that topically applied clove oil cream yielded significant benefits in the treatment of chronic anal fissures.8
More recently, Nelson et al. conducted a literature survey to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of nonsurgical treatments for anal fissures from 1966 to August 2010. Clove oil was among 17 agents used in the 77 cited studies. While no medical therapies were found to display the efficacy of surgical sphincterotomy (or, fortunately, linked to the risk of incontinence), clove oil was identified as one of the “newer” agents demonstrating promise.9
Musculoskeletal pain
Clove oil is included among several herbal ingredients (i.e., eucalyptus oil, gaultheria oil, turpentine oil, menthol, and camphor) associated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that are used in the topical spray Eezpain. Nawaz et al. showed in a prospective pilot study with 20 male and female subjects that the polyherbal formulation was efficacious in relieving mild to moderate knee and wrist joint pain.10
Laboratory studies
Just over a decade ago, Chaieb et al. assessed the antioxidant characteristics of the essential oil of clove, finding that it displayed a robust radical scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in comparison to the synthetic antioxidant tert-butylated hydroxytoluene. It also showed potent antifungal activity against 53 test strains of human pathogenic yeasts. The authors noted that clove oil is a readily available source of natural antioxidants and is a worthy ingredient in pharmaceutical products.11
Anti-inflammatory activity
In 2017, Han and Parker studied the biological activity of four concentrations of a commercially available clove essential oil product on 17 protein biomarkers important in inflammation in a model of human skin disease. They found that the 0.011% concentration of the oil enacted strong antiproliferative effects on human dermal skin fibroblasts, and significantly suppressed multiple proinflammatory biomarkers as well as tissue remodeling protein molecules. The investigators also observed that essential clove oil significantly influenced global gene expression and signaling pathways involved in inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer processes. They concluded that their results indicate anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and tissue-remodeling properties of clove essential oil, and its main active ingredient eugenol, in human dermal fibroblasts.1
UVB protection
Recently, Patwardhan and Bhatt assessed the capacity of flavonoids from clove buds to protect human dermal fibroblasts from UVB exposure. They found that the flavonoid-enriched fraction of clove demonstrated significant potential, as it mitigated the effects of UVB radiation, and delivered protection via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response pathway. The flavonoid-enriched clove fraction, they concluded, warrants consideration as a topically applied cutaneous protectant against the effects of UVB exposure.4
Antiviral and immunomodulatory activity
Based on their earlier work showing the antiviral activity of clove bud oil against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Haripriyan et al. reported this year that clove bud oil affects pseudomonal proteases (elastase A, elastase B, protease IV, and alkaline protease), attenuating significant viral mechanisms of this noted human disease agent while bolstering host immunomodulatory functions. They concluded that their results suggest the viability of clove bud oil as a topical treatment for infections resistant to antibiotics.12
Acne
In 2017, Owen et al. developed a topical preparation incorporating clove bud, rosewood, and litsea essential oils that compared favorably with the topical antibiotics Dalacin T and Stiemycin in controlling acne vulgaris-linked bacteria. Specifically, the herbal formulation exhibited synergistic activity against Propionibacterium acnes, although not to Staphylococcus epidermidis, and its antimicrobial activity exceeded or equated to that of the tested antibiotics. The investigators suggested that the polyherbal preparation may serve as an option for treating acne-linked bacteria.13
Scabies
In a study 2 years ago to ascertain the efficacy of 10 essential oils against Sarcoptes scabiei, Fang et al. conducted contact bioassays and fumigation bioassays using clove, palmarosa, geranium, tea tree, lavender, Manuka, bitter orange, eucalyptus, Japanese cedar, and cade oil. In the contact bioassays, clove oil 1%, the most effective of the oils, eliminated the mites within 20 minutes. In the fumigation bioassay, clove was second to tea tree oil in efficacy. The investigators concluded that clove, tea tree, palmarosa, and eucalyptus oils demonstrate potential in pest control and for treating scabies infections in humans or animals.14
Conclusion
Clove oil is an active ingredient in various topical treatments. While not typically a first-line therapy, it shows promise for a wider range of applications. Research continues to determine the extent to which this botanical agent can reach into the dermatologic armamentarium and, more importantly, how effective it can be in treating cutaneous disorders.
Dr. Baumann is a private practice dermatologist, researcher, author and entrepreneur who practices in Miami. She founded the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at the University of Miami in 1997. Dr. Baumann wrote two textbooks: “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002), and “Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients,” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014), and a New York Times Best Sellers book for consumers, “The Skin Type Solution” (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006). Dr. Baumann has received funding for advisory boards and/or clinical research trials from Allergan, Evolus, Galderma, and Revance. She is the founder and CEO of Skin Type Solutions Franchise Systems LLC.
References
1. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):1619-22.
2. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):501-6.
3. Cell Prolif. 2006 Aug;39(4):241-8.
4. Pharmacogn Mag. 2015 Oct;11(Suppl 3):S397-406.
5. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec 28. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12471.
6. Curr Drug Deliv. 2012 Mar;9(2):219-30.
7. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):508-11.
8. Colorectal Dis. 2007 Jul;9(6):549-52
9. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;(2):CD003431.
10. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015 Jan;28(1):43-7.
11. Mycoses. 2007 Sep;50(5):403-6.
12. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 21;8(1):3437.
13. Phytother Res. 2017 Mar;31(3):410-7.
14. Parasit Vectors. 2016 Nov 22;9(1):594.
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, also known as Eugenia caryophyllata) are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family native to Indonesia. The essential oil of clove is known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, cytotoxic, insect repellent, and anesthetic activities.1,2 It is used topically in herbal medicine to alleviate pain and facilitate healing,3 and has been used in traditional medicine to confer analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic activity.4 Cloves also are used in fragrances and for food flavoring.2
The two main constituents of clove oil are eugenol (78%) and beta-caryophyllene (13%). Although clove oil and its primary components are generally recognized as safe, a 2006 in vitro study by Prashar et al. found that clove oil and eugenol displayed cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Clove oil, in concentrations as low as 0.03%, was noted for being exceedingly cytotoxic, with up to 73% of this effect ascribed to eugenol, with beta-caryophyllene displaying no toxicity.3 In addition to beta-caryophyllene and the phenylpropanoid eugenol, other important constituents of clove essential oil are the phenylpropanoids carvacrol, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde.2
Topical applications and human studies
constituent, eugenol.5 It also has been used as a penetration enhancer in various forms of topical products, including creams, ointments, gels, and patches.6
Palmar hyperhidrosis
In 2017, Ibrahim et al. treated 45 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis with clove oil 45% in liposome, with 20 patients in a control group treated with 0.9% saline solution. Subjects were assessed by gravimetry testing and hyperhidrosis disease severity scale to determine the impact of clove oil on decreasing the sweating rate in patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis. Gravimetry testing revealed that the sweating rate decreased significantly in the clove oil group but that there was no significant improvement in the placebo group. The investigators concluded that twice-daily topical application of 45% clove oil in liposome for 2 weeks showed promise in significantly reducing palmar sweating.5
Pruritus
That same year Ibrahim et al. evaluated the effects of topically applied clove oil in treating 50 patients with chronic pruritus due to hepatic, renal, or diabetic origin. The investigators divided the subjects into two groups of 25, with the first directed to hydrate their skin before applying topical clove oil twice daily for 2 weeks. The second group was instructed to apply topical petrolatum by hand on the same schedule. Using the 5-D itch scale, researchers noted a significant improvement in all parameters in the patients using clove oil and no such improvements in the petrolatum group. They concluded that particularly for patients whose topical or systemic treatments are not well tolerated or are contraindicated.7
Anal fissure
In 2007, Elwakeel et al. evaluated the use of a clove oil 1% cream for the treatment of chronic anal fissure as opposed to the traditional treatment of stool softeners and lignocaine cream 5% in a single-blind randomized comparative trial over 6 weeks. Healing was observed in 60% of the 30 patients in the clove oil group and in 12% of the 25 patients in the control group at the 3-month follow-up visit. The researchers concluded that topically applied clove oil cream yielded significant benefits in the treatment of chronic anal fissures.8
More recently, Nelson et al. conducted a literature survey to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of nonsurgical treatments for anal fissures from 1966 to August 2010. Clove oil was among 17 agents used in the 77 cited studies. While no medical therapies were found to display the efficacy of surgical sphincterotomy (or, fortunately, linked to the risk of incontinence), clove oil was identified as one of the “newer” agents demonstrating promise.9
Musculoskeletal pain
Clove oil is included among several herbal ingredients (i.e., eucalyptus oil, gaultheria oil, turpentine oil, menthol, and camphor) associated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that are used in the topical spray Eezpain. Nawaz et al. showed in a prospective pilot study with 20 male and female subjects that the polyherbal formulation was efficacious in relieving mild to moderate knee and wrist joint pain.10
Laboratory studies
Just over a decade ago, Chaieb et al. assessed the antioxidant characteristics of the essential oil of clove, finding that it displayed a robust radical scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in comparison to the synthetic antioxidant tert-butylated hydroxytoluene. It also showed potent antifungal activity against 53 test strains of human pathogenic yeasts. The authors noted that clove oil is a readily available source of natural antioxidants and is a worthy ingredient in pharmaceutical products.11
Anti-inflammatory activity
In 2017, Han and Parker studied the biological activity of four concentrations of a commercially available clove essential oil product on 17 protein biomarkers important in inflammation in a model of human skin disease. They found that the 0.011% concentration of the oil enacted strong antiproliferative effects on human dermal skin fibroblasts, and significantly suppressed multiple proinflammatory biomarkers as well as tissue remodeling protein molecules. The investigators also observed that essential clove oil significantly influenced global gene expression and signaling pathways involved in inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer processes. They concluded that their results indicate anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and tissue-remodeling properties of clove essential oil, and its main active ingredient eugenol, in human dermal fibroblasts.1
UVB protection
Recently, Patwardhan and Bhatt assessed the capacity of flavonoids from clove buds to protect human dermal fibroblasts from UVB exposure. They found that the flavonoid-enriched fraction of clove demonstrated significant potential, as it mitigated the effects of UVB radiation, and delivered protection via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response pathway. The flavonoid-enriched clove fraction, they concluded, warrants consideration as a topically applied cutaneous protectant against the effects of UVB exposure.4
Antiviral and immunomodulatory activity
Based on their earlier work showing the antiviral activity of clove bud oil against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Haripriyan et al. reported this year that clove bud oil affects pseudomonal proteases (elastase A, elastase B, protease IV, and alkaline protease), attenuating significant viral mechanisms of this noted human disease agent while bolstering host immunomodulatory functions. They concluded that their results suggest the viability of clove bud oil as a topical treatment for infections resistant to antibiotics.12
Acne
In 2017, Owen et al. developed a topical preparation incorporating clove bud, rosewood, and litsea essential oils that compared favorably with the topical antibiotics Dalacin T and Stiemycin in controlling acne vulgaris-linked bacteria. Specifically, the herbal formulation exhibited synergistic activity against Propionibacterium acnes, although not to Staphylococcus epidermidis, and its antimicrobial activity exceeded or equated to that of the tested antibiotics. The investigators suggested that the polyherbal preparation may serve as an option for treating acne-linked bacteria.13
Scabies
In a study 2 years ago to ascertain the efficacy of 10 essential oils against Sarcoptes scabiei, Fang et al. conducted contact bioassays and fumigation bioassays using clove, palmarosa, geranium, tea tree, lavender, Manuka, bitter orange, eucalyptus, Japanese cedar, and cade oil. In the contact bioassays, clove oil 1%, the most effective of the oils, eliminated the mites within 20 minutes. In the fumigation bioassay, clove was second to tea tree oil in efficacy. The investigators concluded that clove, tea tree, palmarosa, and eucalyptus oils demonstrate potential in pest control and for treating scabies infections in humans or animals.14
Conclusion
Clove oil is an active ingredient in various topical treatments. While not typically a first-line therapy, it shows promise for a wider range of applications. Research continues to determine the extent to which this botanical agent can reach into the dermatologic armamentarium and, more importantly, how effective it can be in treating cutaneous disorders.
Dr. Baumann is a private practice dermatologist, researcher, author and entrepreneur who practices in Miami. She founded the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at the University of Miami in 1997. Dr. Baumann wrote two textbooks: “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002), and “Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients,” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014), and a New York Times Best Sellers book for consumers, “The Skin Type Solution” (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006). Dr. Baumann has received funding for advisory boards and/or clinical research trials from Allergan, Evolus, Galderma, and Revance. She is the founder and CEO of Skin Type Solutions Franchise Systems LLC.
References
1. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):1619-22.
2. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):501-6.
3. Cell Prolif. 2006 Aug;39(4):241-8.
4. Pharmacogn Mag. 2015 Oct;11(Suppl 3):S397-406.
5. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec 28. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12471.
6. Curr Drug Deliv. 2012 Mar;9(2):219-30.
7. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):508-11.
8. Colorectal Dis. 2007 Jul;9(6):549-52
9. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;(2):CD003431.
10. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015 Jan;28(1):43-7.
11. Mycoses. 2007 Sep;50(5):403-6.
12. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 21;8(1):3437.
13. Phytother Res. 2017 Mar;31(3):410-7.
14. Parasit Vectors. 2016 Nov 22;9(1):594.
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, also known as Eugenia caryophyllata) are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family native to Indonesia. The essential oil of clove is known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, cytotoxic, insect repellent, and anesthetic activities.1,2 It is used topically in herbal medicine to alleviate pain and facilitate healing,3 and has been used in traditional medicine to confer analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic activity.4 Cloves also are used in fragrances and for food flavoring.2
The two main constituents of clove oil are eugenol (78%) and beta-caryophyllene (13%). Although clove oil and its primary components are generally recognized as safe, a 2006 in vitro study by Prashar et al. found that clove oil and eugenol displayed cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Clove oil, in concentrations as low as 0.03%, was noted for being exceedingly cytotoxic, with up to 73% of this effect ascribed to eugenol, with beta-caryophyllene displaying no toxicity.3 In addition to beta-caryophyllene and the phenylpropanoid eugenol, other important constituents of clove essential oil are the phenylpropanoids carvacrol, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde.2
Topical applications and human studies
constituent, eugenol.5 It also has been used as a penetration enhancer in various forms of topical products, including creams, ointments, gels, and patches.6
Palmar hyperhidrosis
In 2017, Ibrahim et al. treated 45 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis with clove oil 45% in liposome, with 20 patients in a control group treated with 0.9% saline solution. Subjects were assessed by gravimetry testing and hyperhidrosis disease severity scale to determine the impact of clove oil on decreasing the sweating rate in patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis. Gravimetry testing revealed that the sweating rate decreased significantly in the clove oil group but that there was no significant improvement in the placebo group. The investigators concluded that twice-daily topical application of 45% clove oil in liposome for 2 weeks showed promise in significantly reducing palmar sweating.5
Pruritus
That same year Ibrahim et al. evaluated the effects of topically applied clove oil in treating 50 patients with chronic pruritus due to hepatic, renal, or diabetic origin. The investigators divided the subjects into two groups of 25, with the first directed to hydrate their skin before applying topical clove oil twice daily for 2 weeks. The second group was instructed to apply topical petrolatum by hand on the same schedule. Using the 5-D itch scale, researchers noted a significant improvement in all parameters in the patients using clove oil and no such improvements in the petrolatum group. They concluded that particularly for patients whose topical or systemic treatments are not well tolerated or are contraindicated.7
Anal fissure
In 2007, Elwakeel et al. evaluated the use of a clove oil 1% cream for the treatment of chronic anal fissure as opposed to the traditional treatment of stool softeners and lignocaine cream 5% in a single-blind randomized comparative trial over 6 weeks. Healing was observed in 60% of the 30 patients in the clove oil group and in 12% of the 25 patients in the control group at the 3-month follow-up visit. The researchers concluded that topically applied clove oil cream yielded significant benefits in the treatment of chronic anal fissures.8
More recently, Nelson et al. conducted a literature survey to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of nonsurgical treatments for anal fissures from 1966 to August 2010. Clove oil was among 17 agents used in the 77 cited studies. While no medical therapies were found to display the efficacy of surgical sphincterotomy (or, fortunately, linked to the risk of incontinence), clove oil was identified as one of the “newer” agents demonstrating promise.9
Musculoskeletal pain
Clove oil is included among several herbal ingredients (i.e., eucalyptus oil, gaultheria oil, turpentine oil, menthol, and camphor) associated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that are used in the topical spray Eezpain. Nawaz et al. showed in a prospective pilot study with 20 male and female subjects that the polyherbal formulation was efficacious in relieving mild to moderate knee and wrist joint pain.10
Laboratory studies
Just over a decade ago, Chaieb et al. assessed the antioxidant characteristics of the essential oil of clove, finding that it displayed a robust radical scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in comparison to the synthetic antioxidant tert-butylated hydroxytoluene. It also showed potent antifungal activity against 53 test strains of human pathogenic yeasts. The authors noted that clove oil is a readily available source of natural antioxidants and is a worthy ingredient in pharmaceutical products.11
Anti-inflammatory activity
In 2017, Han and Parker studied the biological activity of four concentrations of a commercially available clove essential oil product on 17 protein biomarkers important in inflammation in a model of human skin disease. They found that the 0.011% concentration of the oil enacted strong antiproliferative effects on human dermal skin fibroblasts, and significantly suppressed multiple proinflammatory biomarkers as well as tissue remodeling protein molecules. The investigators also observed that essential clove oil significantly influenced global gene expression and signaling pathways involved in inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer processes. They concluded that their results indicate anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and tissue-remodeling properties of clove essential oil, and its main active ingredient eugenol, in human dermal fibroblasts.1
UVB protection
Recently, Patwardhan and Bhatt assessed the capacity of flavonoids from clove buds to protect human dermal fibroblasts from UVB exposure. They found that the flavonoid-enriched fraction of clove demonstrated significant potential, as it mitigated the effects of UVB radiation, and delivered protection via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response pathway. The flavonoid-enriched clove fraction, they concluded, warrants consideration as a topically applied cutaneous protectant against the effects of UVB exposure.4
Antiviral and immunomodulatory activity
Based on their earlier work showing the antiviral activity of clove bud oil against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Haripriyan et al. reported this year that clove bud oil affects pseudomonal proteases (elastase A, elastase B, protease IV, and alkaline protease), attenuating significant viral mechanisms of this noted human disease agent while bolstering host immunomodulatory functions. They concluded that their results suggest the viability of clove bud oil as a topical treatment for infections resistant to antibiotics.12
Acne
In 2017, Owen et al. developed a topical preparation incorporating clove bud, rosewood, and litsea essential oils that compared favorably with the topical antibiotics Dalacin T and Stiemycin in controlling acne vulgaris-linked bacteria. Specifically, the herbal formulation exhibited synergistic activity against Propionibacterium acnes, although not to Staphylococcus epidermidis, and its antimicrobial activity exceeded or equated to that of the tested antibiotics. The investigators suggested that the polyherbal preparation may serve as an option for treating acne-linked bacteria.13
Scabies
In a study 2 years ago to ascertain the efficacy of 10 essential oils against Sarcoptes scabiei, Fang et al. conducted contact bioassays and fumigation bioassays using clove, palmarosa, geranium, tea tree, lavender, Manuka, bitter orange, eucalyptus, Japanese cedar, and cade oil. In the contact bioassays, clove oil 1%, the most effective of the oils, eliminated the mites within 20 minutes. In the fumigation bioassay, clove was second to tea tree oil in efficacy. The investigators concluded that clove, tea tree, palmarosa, and eucalyptus oils demonstrate potential in pest control and for treating scabies infections in humans or animals.14
Conclusion
Clove oil is an active ingredient in various topical treatments. While not typically a first-line therapy, it shows promise for a wider range of applications. Research continues to determine the extent to which this botanical agent can reach into the dermatologic armamentarium and, more importantly, how effective it can be in treating cutaneous disorders.
Dr. Baumann is a private practice dermatologist, researcher, author and entrepreneur who practices in Miami. She founded the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at the University of Miami in 1997. Dr. Baumann wrote two textbooks: “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002), and “Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients,” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014), and a New York Times Best Sellers book for consumers, “The Skin Type Solution” (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006). Dr. Baumann has received funding for advisory boards and/or clinical research trials from Allergan, Evolus, Galderma, and Revance. She is the founder and CEO of Skin Type Solutions Franchise Systems LLC.
References
1. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):1619-22.
2. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):501-6.
3. Cell Prolif. 2006 Aug;39(4):241-8.
4. Pharmacogn Mag. 2015 Oct;11(Suppl 3):S397-406.
5. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec 28. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12471.
6. Curr Drug Deliv. 2012 Mar;9(2):219-30.
7. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):508-11.
8. Colorectal Dis. 2007 Jul;9(6):549-52
9. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;(2):CD003431.
10. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015 Jan;28(1):43-7.
11. Mycoses. 2007 Sep;50(5):403-6.
12. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 21;8(1):3437.
13. Phytother Res. 2017 Mar;31(3):410-7.
14. Parasit Vectors. 2016 Nov 22;9(1):594.