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Dietary supplement

Clove Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Zongle Therapeutics

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Clove is a dietary supplement by Zongle Therapeutics 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Clove by Zongle Therapeutics

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

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 1 active ingredient: clove. Clove is a spice made from flower buds and contains eugenol, the compound responsible for most of its effects on your body.

The inactive ingredient is clove oil, steam-distilled, which is how the active clove is delivered in liquid form.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Clove's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: clean gums and teeth, support oral and cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Gingivitis, Dental plaque, Halitosis, Oral mucositis, Pain (acute), tooth sensitivity — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Clove is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dental plaque (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Clove is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Gingivitis, Oral mucositis, Pain (acute), Halitosis.

The evidence is limited. Clove is possibly effective for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) — a serious lung infection in hospitalized patients on breathing machines — though the data isn't yet solid.

For cough, pain, and indigestion, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works. If you're considering clove for any of these uses, talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense for your 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.

When you eat clove as a spice, it's well tolerated. But this is a concentrated liquid supplement, not table spice.

Even small amounts of clove oil — as little as 5–10 mL — can be toxic in children. Topically, clove is generally well tolerated, though some people develop burning, contact dermatitis, or mouth irritation.

Inhaling clove (like in clove cigarettes) carries real risks: throat and chest tightness, fluid in the lungs, and in rare cases, serious lung injury. Swallowing undiluted clove oil can cause liver damage in rare cases, and accidental overdoses in young children have caused confusion, seizures, and coma.

Food amounts are fine, but medicinal doses need your doctor's approval first.

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 you start, have your pharmacist or doctor check your medications against this product. Pay special attention if you take diabetes drugs (insulin or oral medications), blood thinners, drugs processed by your liver's CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2C9 pathways, or topical ibuprofen.

These are all Moderate or Minor interactions, but they matter — your drug levels or blood sugar might shift.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Clove liquid is possibly effective for ventilator-associated pneumonia but has limited evidence for other uses. The big concern is its interaction with diabetes medications and multiple liver enzymes that process common drugs — if you take any prescriptions, you need to check them against this product first.

Even at small doses, concentrated clove oil carries real toxicity risks, especially for children. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you and your medications.

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 Oct 24, 2022.

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 Zongle Therapeutics
Net contents 0.5 Fluid Ounce(s); 15 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2022
DSLD ID 277103
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
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 Zongle Therapeutics, 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:
1 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Drop(s)
Servings per container
250
IngredientAmount% DV
Clove60 mg--

Other ingredients: Clove Oil, Steam-Distilled

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.
Formulation

Helps clean gum and teeth Helps with toothaches Supports cardiovascular health Has very high antioxidant value

100% Pure Therapeutic Grade

Origin: Indonesia Bottled in USA

Artificial ingredients free GMO free Gluten free Preservatives free Paraben free

Vegan

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

For aromatic, topical or internal use. For internal use dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. For topical use dilute with carrier oil.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: Possible skin sensitivity.

Keep out of reach of children.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.

Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Formula

Eugenia caryophyllata

FDA Statement of Identity

Essential Oil Supplement

See for yourself

Clove by Zongle Therapeutics label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Clove by Zongle Therapeutics

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

Serving size1 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container250 Amounts shown are per serving.

Clove

Interacts with
977 drugs
60 mg 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: Clove Oil, Steam-Distilled. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Clove by Zongle Therapeutics 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

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
The maker

Brand information

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

Zongle Therapeutics

See all Zongle Therapeutics products
Name
Zongle Therapeutics
Web Address
www.zongletherapeutics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Clove by Zongle Therapeutics: Common Questions

Does Clove by Zongle Therapeutics 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 in pregnancy and lactation. That said, this is a concentrated liquid supplement, not the pinch of spice you'd use in cooking — talk with your doctor or midwife before using it during pregnancy or while nursing to make sure the dose is right for you.
Can I use this if I'm diabetic and take insulin or metformin?
Not without checking with your doctor first. Clove can lower blood sugar, so combining it with diabetes medication increases your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need your insulin or pill dose adjusted, and your levels will need monitoring.
What's eugenol and why does it matter?
Eugenol is the main active compound in clove. It's what gives clove its effects — including lowering blood sugar and potentially interfering with how your liver breaks down medications. That's why clove can interact with so many drugs.
Is this safe for my toddler?
No. Even small amounts of clove oil — just 5 to 10 mL — can be toxic in young children, causing serious problems like seizures and coma. Keep this product away from kids entirely.
Does clove actually help with a cough or sore throat?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works for cough. As a food spice, clove is fine, but if you're thinking of using this supplement for throat or cough symptoms, ask your doctor whether it's the right choice.
Can I use clove oil topically on my skin?
Clove is generally well tolerated on skin, but some people develop burning, itching, rash, or mouth ulcers from it. Test a small area first, and if you have sensitive skin, check with a pharmacist before applying it.

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

Not sure if Clove is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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
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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