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Dietary supplement

Cloves Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Kroeger Herb Products Co.

Cloves label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cloves 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

Cloves is a dietary supplement by Kroeger Herb Products Co. 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 Cloves. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co.

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co.

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

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 one active ingredient: clove, the dried flower bud from the clove plant. Cloves have been used traditionally for various purposes and contain eugenol, an active compound that's responsible for many of their effects.

The capsule itself is made from a vegetarian source.

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 we hold shows that clove is possibly effective for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)—a serious lung infection in patients on breathing machines. For cough, acute pain, and indigestion (dyspepsia), there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to rate whether clove works.

If you're considering clove for any of these purposes, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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.

Clove is well tolerated as a food spice in normal cooking amounts. However, concentrated clove oil and medicinal supplements can be irritating or toxic in larger doses—even small amounts of clove oil (just 5–10 mL) can be toxic in children.

The most common side effects from topical use are burning, contact dermatitis, itching, and mouth irritation. Serious effects from oral clove oil are rare but can include liver failure.

When inhaled or used intravenously, clove may be unsafe. Clove is rated likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, though medicinal doses haven't been well studied—stick to food amounts unless you've cleared a higher dose with your doctor.

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 this product, double-check with your own doctor or pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs (your blood sugar could drop too far), any drugs processed by liver enzymes CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2C9 (clove may raise their levels), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, or topical ibuprofen. These are the main medication types that may be affected.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Clove capsules are generally well tolerated as a spice, but medicinal doses haven't been fully studied and carry real interactions—especially with diabetes drugs and medications your liver processes. If you take any prescription medication, particularly blood sugar drugs or medications broken down by the liver, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

They can help you decide if it's right for you and whether any dose adjustments are needed.

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 Jan 23, 2023.

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 Cloves, straight from the product label.

Brand Kroeger Herb Products Co.
Barcode (UPC) 696916100356
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 282502
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co., 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
696916100356
IngredientAmount% DV
Cloves450 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Source Capsules

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: 1 capsule 3 times daily before meals.

General Statements

A 33 day supply.

Formulation

Vegan.

No: GMO's, gluten, wheat, corn, rice, pesticides, or preservatives.

Formula

Fresh ground cloves

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Precautions

Do not purchase if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

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

See for yourself

Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co. label

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

Cloves 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 Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co.

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cloves

Interacts with
977 drugs
450 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...

Cloves monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Source Capsules. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co. Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cloves?

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

Cloves 977

Individual Drug Interactions

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

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cloves 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.

Cloves7 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
Cloves full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Kroeger Herb Products Co.

See all Kroeger Herb Products Co. products
Name
Kroeger Herb Products Co., Inc.
Street Address
1500 Kansas Avenue, Unit 4F
City
Longmont
State
CO
ZipCode
80501
Phone Number
303-443-0261
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co.: Common Questions

Does Cloves by Kroeger Herb Products Co. interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cloves 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?
Cloves 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 in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Clove is rated likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, that rating applies to food amounts—medicinal or supplement doses haven't been studied enough to know for sure. If you're pregnant or nursing and want to take clove supplements, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What are the most common side effects?
Clove is well tolerated as a food spice. Topical use (on skin) may cause burning, contact dermatitis, itching, or mouth irritation. Serious side effects are rare but can include liver failure if you swallow large amounts of clove oil.
Can clove help with cough or pain?
The evidence we have doesn't establish whether clove works for cough or acute pain—there simply isn't enough reliable research on it yet. Talk with your doctor if you're considering it for either purpose.
Is clove oil safe to take by mouth?
Clove as a food spice is safe. However, concentrated clove oil is very different—even 5 to 10 mL can be toxic, especially in children. Never give clove oil to kids, and avoid medicinal doses unless your doctor has cleared it.
Can I take clove if I'm on diabetes medication?
Clove may lower blood sugar levels, which could cause your blood sugar to drop too far if you're already on insulin or diabetes pills. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting; they may need to adjust your dosing or monitor your blood sugar more closely.
What is eugenol and why does it matter?
Eugenol is the main active compound in clove that gives it its effects—including its smell and taste. It can interact with how your liver processes certain medications, which is why checking with your pharmacist is important if you're on prescription drugs.

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.

Cloves label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cloves’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

Cloves'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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