Clove
Synonyms
. Luang
. Caryophyllum
Biological Source
It consists of dried flower buds of Eugenia caryophyllus
Family
Myrtaceae
Geographical Source
. It was first found in Amboyna and Molucca islands.
. It is now widely cultivated in Zanzibar, Madagascar, the Caribbean Islands, Sri Lanka, and India.
. In India, it is cultivated in Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu state and Kerala.
Microscopic Characters
. Color - Crimson to dark brown.
. Odor - Slightly-aromatic.
. Taste - Pungent and aromatic.
. Shape - Hypanthium is surmounted with 4 thick acute divergent sepals surrounded by a dome-shaped corolla.
Chemical Constituents
. Clove contains 15% to 20% volatile oil.
. 70% to 90% eugenol is present which is a main chemical constituent.
. Other chemical constituents are tannins gallotannic acid, caryophyllenes, and eugenol acetate.
. Due to methyl amyl ketone, fragrance of clove occurs so called Syzgium aromaticum.
. Eugenol is a Phenylpropane derivative.
Uses
. It is used as dental analgesic, carminative, stimulant.