Syzygium aromaticum is the name for a small evergreen tree of the myrtle family and for its unopened flower bud, an important spice. The buds are reddish-brown in color and have a strong, aromatic flavor and aroma. The cloves are gathered by hand, dried, and marketed either whole or ground for culinary purposes. Syzygium aromaticum may have aphrodisiac properties. Clove oil is widely used in synthetic vanilla and other flavorings as well as in perfume. Syzygium aromaticum oil is often considered medicinal and antiseptic.
Syzygium aromaticum in
food
Syzygium aromaticum is an important ingredient in spice blends of North
India. Cloves are used in garam masala, biryanis, and pickles. In the U.S.,
cloves are used in meats and salad dressings. Clove helps the flavor of
ketchup and Worchestershire sauce seasoning blends.
Syzygium aromaticum
aphrodisiac property
Aphrodisiac effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.)
on sexual behavior of normal male rats.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Nov 5;4(1):17
The flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum has been
used in Unani medicine since ancient times as an aphrodisiac for the treatment
of male sexual disorders. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect
of 50% ethanolic extract of clove on general mating behaviour, libido, potency
along with its likely gastric ulceration and adverse effects on sexually normal
male albino rats. The suspension of the extract was administered orally
at the dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg / kg, to different groups of male rats once a day for seven days. The female albino rats involved in mating were made
receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behavior, libido and
potency were determined and compared with the standard reference drug sildenafil
citrate. The probable gastric ulceration and adverse effects of the extract were
also evaluated. Oral administration of the extract significantly
increased the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency; Intromission Latency,
Erections; Quick Flips, Long Flips as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and
caused significant reduction in the Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory
Interval. The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed at the dose of
500 mg/kg. The test drug was also found to be devoid of any conspicuous gastric
ulceration and adverse effects. The results indicated that the 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum
produced a significant and sustained increase in the
sexual activity of normal male rats, without any conspicuous gastric ulceration
and adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiac effectivity of the extract
lends support to the claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders.