Lavanga
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Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry), widely recognized in Ayurveda jurisprudence as Lavanga and commercially known as Clove, is an evergreen tree belonging to the family Myrtaceae. Botanically, the drug comprises the dried, unopened flower buds of the plant. It is a well-known aromatic flower bud belonging to the family Myrtaceae. In Ayurveda, it is widely used as a therapeutic drug, digestive stimulant, and flavoring agent.[1]
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Amalaki |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Latin Name: Syzygium aromaticum
- Family: Myrtaceae
- English Name: Clove
- Sanskrit / Classical Name: Lavanga
Botanical Synonyms
- Caryophyllus aromaticus L.
- Eugenia aromatica (L.) Baill.
- Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.
- Eugenia caryophyllus (Spreng.) Bullock & S.G.Harrison
- Jambosa caryophyllus (Thunb.) Nied.
Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum)
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Charaka Samhita:
- Lavanga
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Devakusuma; The flowers are used to worship gods and considered the best among flowers.
- Shreesangna; Auspicious in nature.
- Shree Prasunaka; Possessing beautiful flowers.
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Lavanga are summarized below:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Cold (Sheeta) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Sulahara (pain-relieving), Dipana (digestive stimulant), Kasahara (alleviates cough), Kaphapitta Shamaka (pacifies Kapha and Pitta), Pachana (digestive), Ruchya (taste enhancer) |
References in Charaka Samhita
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Indication |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 5/77 | Used as mouth fresheners (Mukhadurgandhanashaka) |
| 2 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 26/210 | As an active ingredient of Khadiradi Gutika |
| 3 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 28/153 | As an active ingredient of Bala Taila |
Therapeutic Uses
Lavanga is therapeutically indicated in the management of:[1]
- Amlapitta (Hyperacidity / Acidity)
- Swasa (Breathlessness / Dyspnea)
- Chardi (Vomiting)
- Adhmana (Abdominal distension / Flatulence)
- Hikka (Hiccups)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Kshaya (Wasting / Phthisis)
- Trushna (Excessive thirst)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 0.5 – 2.0 g of the drug in powder form.[1]
Important Formulations
- Lavangadi Vati
- Lavangadi Churna
Habitat & Availability
- Status: Available
- Geographical Distribution: Cultivated in India primarily across the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka.
Current Research
Phytochemical & Bioactive Profile
The primary therapeutic potential of Lavanga resides in its volatile essential oil (Clove Oil), which yields 15% to 20% of the dried flower bud weight. The volatile profile is dominated by phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpenes:[3]
- Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol): Accounts for 70–90% of the total essential oil content. It functions as the primary bioactive constituent responsible for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions.
- Eugenyl Acetate: Comprises 2–15% of the oil, contributing to the sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic profile.
- β-Caryophyllene: Represents 5–12% of the oil, acting as a selective cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) agonist with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Polyphenols & Tannins: Contains gallic acid, ellagic acid, and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) providing antioxidant protection.
Pharmacological Mechanisms & Therapeutic Efficacy
1. Analgesic & Local Anesthetic Action
Syzygium aromaticum has a longstanding record in dental medicine for the mitigation of odontogenic pain.
- Mechanism: Eugenol reversibly blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) in primary nociceptive neurons, inhibiting action potential generation along A-δ and C pain fibers. Additionally, eugenol activates and subsequently desensitizes Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channels on sensory nerve endings.
- Efficacy: Clinical and preclinical models confirm its utility as a topical local anesthetic, demonstrating comparable analgesic efficacy to benzocaine in oral mucosa applications.
2. Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Activity
Lavanga significantly attenuates both acute and chronic inflammatory responses.[4]
- Mechanism: Eugenol acts as a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, suppressing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4).
- Pathways: It downregulates Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) translocation, decreasing downstream expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Recent studies demonstrate its ability to modulate the IL-36/IL-17A axis in inflammatory skin conditions.[5]
3. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial & Antifungal Efficacy
- Antibacterial: Eugenol disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity, inducing intracellular ion leakage (K+, Mg2+), membrane depolarization, and ATP depletion.[6] It shows potent minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multidrug-resistant oral pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis).
- Biofilm Disruption: Inhibits bacterial quorum sensing and disrupts mature biofilms up to ~90%.[6]
- Antifungal: Demonstrates activity against Candida albicans by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis and damaging fungal cell wall structure.
4. Antioxidant & Cytoprotective Capacities
- Mechanism: Free radical scavenging occurs via hydrogen atom transfer from the phenolic hydroxyl group of eugenol, stabilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS).[7]
- Endogenous Defense: Up-regulates phase II antioxidant enzymes—including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)—via activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway.
5. Chemopreventive & Antineoplastic Potential
- Mechanism: Eugenol induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in diverse malignancy cell lines by downregulating Bcl-2, upregulating Bax, increasing ROS accumulation, and triggering caspase-3/9 cleavage.[8]
- Synergy: Exhibits chemotherapeutic synergy when combined with agents like cisplatin and doxorubicin, inhibiting cancer stem cell markers and invasiveness.[8]
Summary of Therapeutic Indications
| Therapeutic Domain | Primary Mechanism of Action | Clinical / Traditional Application |
|---|---|---|
| Odontology | NaV channel blockade; TRPV1 desensitization | Toothache, pulpitis, dry socket (alveolar osteitis), gingivitis |
| Gastroenterology | Smooth muscle relaxation; mucosal prostaglandin synthesis | Dyspepsia, flatulence, gastric ulceration, intestinal colic |
| Dermatology & Topicals | NF-κB inhibition; IL-36/IL-17 pathway suppression | Inflammatory dermatoses, fungal tinea infections, local pruritus |
| Respiratory Medicine | Spasmolytic action on bronchial smooth muscle; mucolytic | Cough, bronchitis, upper respiratory catarrh |
Safety Profile, Toxicology, & Contraindications
- Toxicity: Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a food additive. However, concentrated clove oil applied undiluted can cause mucosal irritation, tissue necrosis, or contact dermatitis.
- Overdose Risk: Oral ingestion of concentrated eugenol in high doses (>10–12 mL) can induce systemic toxicity characterized by acute liver injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), metabolic acidosis, and central nervous system depression.
- Drug Interactions: Due to antiplatelet effects mediated through thromboxane A2 inhibition, caution is warranted when co-administered with oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel).
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1: 52.
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Karpuradi varga, verse no. 58.
- ↑ Abdul Aziz AH, Rizkiyah DN, Qomariyah L, Irianto I, Che Yunus MA, Putra NR (2023). "Unlocking the Full Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Spice: An Overview of Extraction Techniques, Bioactivity, and Future Opportunities in the Food and Beverage Industry". Processes. 11 (8): 2453. doi:10.3390/pr11082453.
- ↑ Ahmad RM, Ibrahim O (2023). "Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Oil Extract Against Chronic Inflammation in Rat". Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. 12 (1): 77–84. doi:10.17582/journal.aavs/2024/12.1.77.84. Vancouver style error: initials (help)
- ↑ Ho TY (2026). "Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and its bioactive constituent eugenol alleviate psoriatic inflammation by modulating the IL-36/IL-17A axis: a proteomic and mechanistic study". Frontiers in Pharmacology. 17: 1839501. doi:10.3389/fphar.2026.1839501.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Tariq H (2025). "Syzygium aromaticum (clove buds) as a natural antibacterial agent against multi-drug resistant pathogens: A narrative review". PMC. PMC12558857.
- ↑ Rahim N (2025). "Evaluating the multifaceted bioactivity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil and eugenol: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and theoretical insights". PMC. PMC11913364.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Zari AT, Zari TA, Hakeem KR (2021). "Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A Review". Molecules. 26 (23): 7407. doi:10.3390/molecules26237407.