Syzygium aromaticum herb 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 for stomach health
Gastrointestinal effects of Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae) in animal models.
Nigeria Q J Hosp Med. 2008 Jul-Sep; Agbaje EO. Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University o Lagos P. M. B. 12003, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
The plant Syzigium aromaticum, commonly known as clove has since been employed locally to treat constipation. We tested its possible effect on intestinal propulsion in rodents as well as its suspected gastrointestinal protective properties. Syzigium aromaticum extract was found to increase the gut muscle propulsion similar to the standard drugs-carbachol and metoclopramide. When used together with atropine, Syzigium aromaticum produced a reduction in intestinal propulsion which suggested the involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in the action of the extract. In the ulcer models, the decoction reduced the ulcer number and ulcer area in the ethanol and HCl-ethanol models. Our present findings explain the folkloric uses of Syzigium aromaticum as an antiulcer and a purgative agent as well as its possible mechanism of action.

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.

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