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Dietary supplement

Clove Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Clove label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Clove against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Clove is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for toothache and oral pain, digestive upset, antimicrobial and antifungal.Based on those ingredients, 977 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are CLOVE. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Clove by Herb Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Clove by Herb Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Clove by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: clove extract in a liquid form. Clove is the flower bud of a tropical tree, and the extract concentrates its active compounds — mainly eugenol — in a base of certified organic grain alcohol, distilled water, and vegetable glycerine.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Clove's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Clove for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence is mixed. Clove is possibly effective for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), an infection that can develop in people on breathing machines in hospital settings.

For cough, pain, and indigestion (dyspepsia), the evidence we have isn't reliable enough to rate whether it works. If you're considering clove for one of these uses, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports it for your specific situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Clove

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

As a food spice, clove is safe; as a concentrated supplement or essential oil, it needs care. Clove oil in doses of just 5–10 mL has been toxic in children, and serious cases — liver failure, seizure, and coma — have been reported after accidental swallowing of clove oil, especially in young children.

Topically, it's generally well tolerated, though it can cause burning, rash, mouth sores, and tingling. Inhaling clove smoke (as in clove cigarettes) carries risks including high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and serious lung injury.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is rated likely safe, though medicinal doses during pregnancy or nursing should be cleared with your doctor or pharmacist first, since safety data for higher doses isn't complete.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Clove

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Clove.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 978 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking clove, double-check if you're on any antidiabetes drugs (insulin or oral pills), since clove may lower blood sugar further. Also clear it with your pharmacist if you take any drugs metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2C9 — clove may raise their levels.

If you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, or use topical ibuprofen, mention clove to your pharmacist as well. Use the checker on this page to search your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Clove liquid extract may help with ventilator-associated pneumonia, but evidence for other common uses is weak or absent. The main consideration is medication interaction — clove can affect how your liver processes dozens of drug types, and it may also lower blood sugar if you take diabetes drugs.

If you take any prescription medications, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or diabetes medicines, check them against the tool on this page before starting, and talk with your own doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Clove, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Net contents 8 fl. Oz.
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2013
DSLD ID 23362
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Clove by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
15 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
20 Drop(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
CLOVE0 NP--

Other ingredients: certified organic grain Alcohol, distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerine, Clove extractives

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

We prepare our Clove Extract from the dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum trees which are Certified Organically Grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. To assure optimal extraction of Clove's bioactive compounds, the flower buds are hand-harvested when their color changes from green to crimson, are carefully dried to retain their full aroma & flavor, and are then shipped directly to our laboratory and thoroughly extracted.

LIQUID HERBAL EXTRACT

215246-9R41

General

003

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USE Shake Well Before Using Two to four times per day take 15 to 20 drops in a little water.

Shake Well Before Dispensing From This Bottle

Precautions

Keep Out of the Reach of Children

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Clove by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Clove label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Clove by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size15 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

CLOVE

Interacts with
977 drugs
0 NP per serving

Clove is a common cooking spice that is also used in traditional medicine, especially as a topical numbing agent for tooth pain thanks to its main com...

CLOVE monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Certified organic grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerine, Clove extractives. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Clove by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Clove?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
977Drugs
917 Moderate 60 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

CLOVE 977

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Clove interact with 977 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Clove interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. CLOVE

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Clove with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

CLOVE7 drug types · 977 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of clove extracts with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical and laboratory research suggest that polyphenol extracts from clove flower buds might lower blood glucose levels. Dosing adjustments for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary when taken with clove. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, can inhibit CYP1A2 in a dose-dependent manner,. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, inhibits CYP2C9 in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, can inhibit CYP2D6 in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, can inhibit CYP3A4 in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that eugenol, a constituent of clove, has antiplatelet activity. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Ibuprofen (Advil, Others)

Theoretically, topical application of clove oil with ibuprofen might increase the absorption and side effects of topical ibuprofen.
Laboratory research shows that topical application of clove oil increases the absorption of topical ibuprofen. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
CLOVE full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Clove, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
HERB PHARM
City
WILLIAMS
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Clove by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Clove by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Clove has a known interaction with 977 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Clove contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is clove safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Clove is rated likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That said, the safety data applies to typical food amounts and small medicinal doses — there isn't complete information on what higher doses might do. If you're pregnant or nursing and want to use clove as a supplement, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first to make sure it's right for your situation.
Can clove really lower my blood sugar?
Laboratory and clinical research suggests that clove's polyphenol compounds may lower blood glucose levels. If you take diabetes medications and want to use clove, your blood sugar could drop further, so you may need dosing adjustments and closer monitoring. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
What are the side effects of clove?
When used as a spice, clove is well tolerated. As a concentrated oil or supplement in larger doses, side effects can include burning, contact dermatitis, mouth sores, and tingling if applied to skin or mucous membranes. Swallowing clove oil — especially in children — can cause serious problems like liver damage, seizure, or coma. Inhaling clove smoke raises blood pressure and heart rate and can damage the lungs.
Does clove actually work for cough or pain?
The evidence for clove as a treatment for cough, acute pain, or indigestion isn't strong enough for us to say it works. Clove is possibly effective for ventilator-associated pneumonia (a hospital infection in people on breathing machines), but for everyday cough or pain, there's not reliable evidence to rate it. If you want to use it for these purposes, discuss your goals and options with your doctor.
Is this product a liquid oil or an extract?
This is a liquid extract made with alcohol, water, and vegetable glycerine — not a pure essential oil. The difference matters: pure clove oil is more concentrated and riskier, especially for children, while an extract like this one is diluted. Still, follow dosing instructions carefully and keep it away from children.
Why does clove interact with so many drugs?
Clove's main active compound, eugenol, can inhibit liver enzymes that break down many different medications. When those enzymes slow down, drugs build up in your bloodstream, potentially raising their effect and side effects. The good news is these interactions have only been shown in test tubes so far, not yet in humans — but they're plausible enough that we list them and encourage you to check your specific medications.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Clove label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Clove’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Clove

Interacts with 977 drugs

Clove is a common cooking spice that is also used in traditional medicine, especially as a topical numbing agent for tooth pain thanks to its main compound, eugenol. Food amounts are general...

Read the full Clove monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Clove's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Clove 26 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  3. Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from spices. Contact Dermatitis 1996;35:157-62. PubMed
  4. Chen SJ, Wang MH, Chen IJ. Antiplatelet and calcium inhibitory properties of eugenol and sodium eugenol acetate. Gen Pharmacol 1996;27:629-33. PubMed
  5. Malson JL, Lee EM, Murty R, et al. Clove cigarette smoking: biochemical, physiological, and subjective effects. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;74:739-45. PubMed
  6. Kirsch CM, Yenokida GG, Jensen WA, et al. Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema due to the intravenous administration of clove oil. Thorax 1990;45:235-6. PubMed
  7. Pallares, D. E. Link between clove cigarettes and urticaria? Postgrad.Med 10-1-1999;106(4):153. PubMed
  8. Barnard, D. R. Repellency of essential oils to mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). J Med Entomol. 1999;36(5):625-629. PubMed
  9. Sanchez-Perez, J. and Garcia-Diez, A. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from eugenol, oil of cinnamon and oil of cloves in a physiotherapist. Contact Dermatitis 1999;41(6):346-347. PubMed
  10. Andersen, K. E., Johansen, J. D., Bruze, M., Frosch, P. J., Goossens, A., Lepoittevin, J. P., Rastogi, S., White, I., and Menne, T. The time-dose-response relationship for elicitation of contact dermatitis in isoeugenol allergic individuals. Toxicol.Appl PubMed
  11. Alqareer, A., Alyahya, A., and Andersson, L. The effect of clove and benzocaine versus placebo as topical anesthetics. J Dent 2006;34(10):747-750. PubMed
  12. Lane, B. W., Ellenhorn, M. J., Hulbert, T. V., and McCarron, M. Clove oil ingestion in an infant. Hum.Exp Toxicol. 1991;10(4):291-294. PubMed
  13. Quirce, S., Fernandez-Nieto, M., del, Pozo, V, Sastre, B., and Sastre, J. Occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by eugenol in a hairdresser. Allergy 2008;63(1):137-138. PubMed
  14. Srivastava, K. C. and Malhotra, N. Acetyl eugenol, a component of oil of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) inhibits aggregation and alters arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood platelets. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 1991;42(1):73-81. PubMed
  15. Dyrbye, B. A., Dubois, L., Vink, R., and Horn, J. A patient with clove oil intoxication. Anaesth.Intensive Care 2012;40(2):365-366.
  16. Guidotti, T. L., Laing, L., and Prakash, U. B. Clove cigarettes. The basis for concern regarding health effects. West J Med 1989;151(2):220-228.
  17. Anonymous. Evaluation of the health hazard of clove cigarettes. Council on Scientific Affairs. JAMA 12-23-1988;260(24):3641-3644. DOI
  18. Romaguera, C., Alomar, A., Camarasa, J. M., Garcia, Bravo B., Garcia, Perez A., Grimalt, F., Guerra, P., Lopez, Gorretcher B., Pascual, A. M., Miranda, A., and . Contact dermatitis in children. Contact Dermatitis 1985;12(5):283-284. PubMed
  19. Hackett, P. H., Rodriguez, G., and Roach, R. C. Clove cigarettes and high-altitude pulmonary edema. JAMA 6-28-1985;253(24):3551-3552. DOI
  20. Isaacs, G. Permanent local anaesthesia and anhidrosis after clove oil spillage. Lancet 4-16-1983;1(8329):882. PubMed
  21. Saeed, S. A. and Gilani, A. H. Antithrombotic activity of clove oil. J Pak Med Assoc 1994;44(5):112-115.
  22. Hartnoll, G., Moore, D., and Douek, D. Near fatal ingestion of oil of cloves. Arch.Dis Child 1993;69(3):392-393. PubMed
  23. Srivastava, K. C. Antiplatelet principles from a food spice clove (Syzygium aromaticum L) [corrected]. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 1993;48(5):363-372.
  24. Jiang Q, Wu Y, Zhang H, et al. Development of essential oils as skin permeation enhancers: penetration enhancement effect and mechanism of action. Pharmaceutical Biol. 2017;55(1):1592-1600. PubMed
  25. Mohan R, Jose S, Mulakkal J, Karpinsky-Semper D, Swick AG, Krishnakumar IM. Water-soluble polyphenol-rich clove extract lowers pre- and post-prandial blood glucose levels in healthy and prediabetic volunteers: an open label pilot study. BMC Complement Alt PubMed
  26. Alharbi NFM, Ahad A, Bin Jardan YA, Al-Jenoobi FI. Effect of eugenol on cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 activity in human liver microsomes. Saudi Pharm J 2024;32(7):102118. PubMed

See these in context on the Clove monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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