CLOVE/QURANFUL (Syzygium aromaticum L.): A REVIEW ON ITS POTENTIAL BENEFITS IN UNANI MEDICINE, BIOACTIVITIES AND CURRENT SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Background: Herbal drugs have been shown to be a valuable source of new pharmaceutical molecules that have been utilised to treat serious disorders. Clove (Syzygium aromaticumL.) is a plant-derived drug with a long history of usage in Unani medicine due to its numerous pharmacological benefits attributable to its phytoconstituents. Aims and objectives: The basic aim of this article is to present a comprehensive report on the potential benefits of clove as described in the Unani system of medicine as well as present an analysis of contemporary scientific researches in order to explore the prospects for its application. Materials and methods:Classical data were collected from the manuscripts of Unani medicine like Al Qanoon Fit Tib, Khazain al-Advia, Makhzan al-Advia, Muheet-i-Azam, Al-Jami li Mufradat al- Advia wa'l Aghziya, etc. An online search was performed in Pub Med, Scopus, Wiley Online Library and Google Scholar to elucidate the various pharmacological activities of clove. Results: The potential of clove shown by its chemical composition, therapeutic use and bioactivities revealed its antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. Sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, hydrocarbon, and phenolic compounds, are found in abundance in S. aromaticu, with eugenyl acetate, eugenol, and β-caryophyllene being the mostimportant phytochemicals reportedin clove oil. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its multiple bioactivities, exhibiting its effect on diseases including halitosis, odontalgia, thyroidcancer, rheumatoidarthritis, nephrotoxicity, and vaginal candidiasis, among others. Conclusion: The several studies evaluated in this article support clove's traditional use in Unani medicine, indicating its usefulness for a variety of ailments. Future research should focus on developing new clove derivative-based formulations