Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ding Xiang (Syzygium aromaticum / Clove)
Strong Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Ding Xiang (Syzygium aromaticum) contains eugenol, which inhibits bacterial growth and reduces inflammation through COX-2 enzyme suppression. This aromatic spice demonstrates antimicrobial, analgesic, and antioxidant properties in clinical applications.
Ding Xiang, or clove, is the dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum, a tree native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. The buds are harvested before they open and dried for use in cooking and medicine.
Studies on clove have demonstrated its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, with some research supporting its use for oral health and digestion.
The recommended dosage is 1-3 grams of dried buds per day in decoction. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Ding Xiang (Syzygium aromaticum / Clove) is not typically consumed in large quantities as a food but rather used as a medicinal herb in small doses (1–6 g dried buds in TCM decoctions). Its bioactive and nutritional profile per 100 g of dried clove buds is as follows: **Primary Bioactive Compounds:** Eugenol (72–90% of essential oil content, approximately 15–20 g per 100 g dried buds) is the principal active constituent responsible for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Eugenyl acetate (2–27% of essential oil), β-caryophyllene (5–12% of essential oil, a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist activity), and oleanolic acid (a triterpene with hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties). **Phenolic Compounds & Antioxidants:** Total phenolic content is exceptionally high at approximately 15,000–30,000 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) per 100 g, ranking clove among the highest ORAC-value spices. Flavonoids include kaempferol, quercetin, and their glycosides. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid are also present. Tannins (10–13% by weight). **Macronutrients (per 100 g dried):** Energy ~274 kcal; Carbohydrates ~66 g (including dietary fiber ~33–34 g, one of the highest fiber contents among spices); Protein ~6 g; Fat ~13 g (largely from essential oil fraction); Sugars ~2.4 g. **Minerals:** Manganese ~60 mg (approximately 2,600% DV per 100 g, though typical medicinal doses provide far less); Calcium ~632 mg; Magnesium ~259 mg; Potassium ~1,020 mg; Iron ~11.8 mg; Phosphorus ~104 mg; Sodium ~277 mg; Zinc ~2.3 mg; Selenium ~7.2 µg. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C ~0.2 mg; Vitamin A ~160 IU (as beta-carotene); Vitamin K ~141.8 µg; Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) ~8.8 mg; Vitamin B6 ~0.39 mg; Riboflavin (B2) ~0.22 mg; Niacin (B3) ~1.56 mg; Thiamine (B1) ~0.16 mg; Folate ~25 µg. **Bioavailability Notes:** Eugenol is rapidly absorbed through the GI tract with good oral bioavailability, though it undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation), yielding a systemic bioavailability estimated at 40–55%. β-caryophyllene is lipophilic and benefits from co-administration with fats or oils for enhanced absorption. The high tannin content may reduce the bioavailability of co-ingested iron and certain proteins. Manganese from clove is moderately bioavailable (~3–5% absorption rate). In TCM, decoction preparation (boiling in water) extracts water-soluble phenolics, tannins, and a portion of volatile oils, though prolonged boiling reduces eugenol content due to volatilization; Ding Xiang is therefore traditionally added near the end of decoction (后下, hòu xià) to preserve its aromatic and medicinal properties.
Eugenol, comprising 70-90% of clove essential oil, inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammatory responses. The compound also disrupts bacterial cell membranes by altering lipid bilayer permeability, particularly effective against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Additionally, eugenol activates TRPV1 receptors while simultaneously blocking sodium channels, providing dual analgesic mechanisms.
A randomized controlled trial with 40 participants showed clove gel reduced periodontal inflammation by 65% compared to placebo over 21 days. Studies on eugenol demonstrate minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/mL against oral pathogens. A systematic review of 12 studies found clove oil provided comparable analgesic effects to benzocaine in dental procedures. However, most clinical evidence comes from small-scale studies, with larger trials needed to establish definitive therapeutic protocols.
Clove oil can cause contact dermatitis and mucous membrane irritation when applied undiluted, with safe topical concentrations typically below 1%. Eugenol may enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin and aspirin by inhibiting platelet aggregation. High doses (>500mg eugenol daily) can cause hepatotoxicity and central nervous system depression. Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses as eugenol crosses the placental barrier, though culinary amounts are generally safe.
