Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Oils

Abstract

Clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum) has been used as a topical anesthetic and flavoring for years. It is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, mostly related to its content in eugenol and other polyphenolic compounds. Recently, other uses of clove have arisen, like insect repellent or growing promoter agent. Clove essential oil has a controlling effect over native microflora and over pathogenic microorganisms as E. coli O157:H7. Clove has been successfully employed as a surface sanitizer agent in lettuce seeds, as a biopreservative in leafy green vegetables (both applied preharvest or postharvest). The application of clove in leafy vegetables also reduced peroxidase activity. Clove essential oil should be considered as viable alternative to chlorine as a sanitizer agent, due to its low toxicity and low environmental impact.