The bibliographic citations are derived from Medline databases through the National Library of Medicine.
Effect on oral bacteria
Shapiro S, Meier A, Guggenheim (1994). The antimicrobial activity of essential oils and essential oil components towards oral bacteria. Oral Microbiol Immunol, 9(4):202-8.
Summary:
Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of
essential oils against with anaerobic oral bacteria was investigated.
The most potent essential oils were Australian tea tree oil, peppermint oil,
and sage oil. The most potent essential oils components were thymol and
eugenol. (NB: Eugenol is a major component in clove oil.)
Cai L, Wu CD (1996). Compounds from Syzygium aromaticum possessing growth inhibitory activity against oral pathogens. J Nat Prod, 59(10):987-90.
Summary: An extract of clove bud inhibited the growth of Gram-negative anaerobic periodontal oral pathogens in the lab.
Effect on inflammation
Sharma JN, Srivastava KC, Gan EK (1994). Suppressive effects of eugenol and ginger oil on arthritic rats. Pharmacology, 49(5):314-8.
Summary:
Oral administration of eugenol, a major component of clove oil, and ginger oil
was administered orally to rats following induced severe arthritis in the
paw and knee. The oil was given for 26 days, and caused a significant suppression
of paw and joint swelling. The researchers suggested that eugenol
and ginger oil have antiinflammatory properties.
Effect on smooth muscle
Reiter M, Brandt W (1985). Relaxant effects on tracheal and ileal smooth muscles of the guinea pig. Arzneimittelforschung, 35(1A):408-14.
Summary:
This study investigated the effects of the essential oils of 22 plants on tracheal
(throat) and ileal (intestinal) smooth muscle. Clove oil produced a relaxant
effect on the tracheal smooth muscle of the guinea pig.
Effect on herpes virus
F. Benencia, M.C. Courrèges. (2000). In vitro and in vivo activity of eugenol on human herpesvirus. Phytotherapy Research, 14(7):495-500.
Summary:
Eugenol, a major component of clove oil, was tested for it ability to inhibit
the herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. In vitro, viral replication was inhibited
by
eugenol. It was virucidal and had
no cytotoxic effects in the concentrations tested. When eugenol was combined
with acyclovir, viral replication was
inhibited in vitro. Topical application of eugenol to mouse skin delayed the
development of herpes induced keratitis.
Last updated 03.23.05
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