Description
CLOVES (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM)
Syzygium aromaticum (synonym: Eugenia cariophylata) commonly known as clove, is an median size tree (8-12 m) from the Mirtaceae family native from the Maluku islands in east Indonesia. For centuries the trade of clove and the search of this valuable spice stimulated the economic development of this Asiatic region. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and possess great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications.
The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. The antimicrobial activities of clove have been proved against several bacterial and fungal strains.
