Abstract

PROFILE OF EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUM ONE OF THE MOST USEFUL TRADITIONAL HERBAL DRUG IN INDIA

D. S. Patil*, M. B. Jograna and S. V. Kotwal

Abstract

Clove is one of the potent traditional crude drug having mark onset of action. Clove may be looked upon as a champion herbal drug known till date. The oxygen radical absorption capacity test is a scale developed by U.S. Department of agriculture for comparing antioxidant activity. Health benefits from the use of clove have been known over the centuries. It is beneficial as a home remedy in curing several aliments/diseases. In addition to its culinary uses, the clove buds have an abusance of medicinal and recreational uses. The major part of the world’s consumption of the clove spice is in the home kitchens. However, commercial use of the clove is for the production of clove oil that contain active constituents, which possess antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, anesthetic pain reliving and insect repellent responsible for the medicinal properties. Eugenol is the main constituent responsible for the medicinal properties of the clove bud. In the light of above, we thought it worthwhile to compile an up-to-date review article on clove covering its, synonyms, chemical constituents, psychopharmacology and medicinal uses.

Keywords: Clove bud, Eugenia Caryophyllum.