A review of the antibacterial properties of Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, including itspotent antibacterial effects. The main active compound in clove, eugenol, has been extensively studiedfor its antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria. This abstract summarizes the currentknowledge on the antibacterial properties of clove, focusing on its effectiveness against both Grampositiveand Gram-negative bacteria. Numerous studies have reported the efficacy of clove and itsderivatives against various Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcusmutans, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Clove has demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of thesepathogens, including drug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).Moreover, its ability to combat Enterococcus faecalis, a leading cause of nosocomial infections, has alsobeen demonstrated. In addition to its activity against Gram-positive bacteria, clove has showneffectiveness against several Gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonasaeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are among the pathogens sensitive to the antibacterial propertiesof clove. These bacteria are notorious for causing various infections, including urinary tract infections,gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory tract infections. The antibacterial effects of clove are believedto be primarily attributed to eugenol, which disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits vitalenzymatic activities necessary for bacterial growth and survival. Furthermore, clove has also displayedsynergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics, suggesting its potential as a valuable adjunctivetherapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Overall, clove and its derivatives, such as clove oil, exhibitsignificant antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The broadspectrumactivity of clove highlights it’s potential as a natural alternative or complementary approach incombatting bacterial infections. Further research is warranted to explore the full therapeutic potential ofclove and optimize its application in the field of antimicrobial therapy.

کلیدواژه ها:

antibacterial properties ، clove ، extract ، essential oil