Due to the unhealthy lifestyle and consumption of adulterated foods, the number of obese and overweight people is alarmingly increasing.  Medical science is tirelessly trying to find out a solution. In this effort, herbal or alternative medication is not also far behind. Different herbal pills have been introduced to support people trying to lose weight. These supplements are composed of various ingredients. This article will review the weight-loss ingredients that the American National Institutes of Health recognized as safe and effective.

Ingredients Found to be Effective in Science Journals

After a long review of clinical trials published in science journals, the American National Institutes of Health (NIH) prepared a fact sheet on dietary supplements for weight loss. The fact sheet of NIH recognized in the long run a number of ingredients that are really helpful and effective to lose weight.  They are as follows:

• African Mango

• Caffeine, Including Caffeine from Guarana, Kola Nut, Yerba Maté, or Other Herbs 

• Carnitine

• Green Coffee Bean Extract

• Green Tea and Green Tea Extract

• White Kidney Bean

Besides, NIH further recognized that there are some other ingredients that have to some extent capacity to lose weight such as bitter orange, chitosan, chromium, conjugated linoleic acid, and garcinia cambogia.

Apart from that probiotics have also been found to have inconsistent effects on body fat, waist and hip circumference, and body weight.

African Mango

African mango extract has popular use in weight loss supplements. Its scientific name is Irvingia gabonensis. African mango is a tree native to West Africa. Here, we are concerned with the fruit of this tree.

Mechanism of Action

African mango supports to lose weight by: [1, 2]

• Preventing adipogenesis

• Lowering leptin levels

Clinical Efficacy

A clinical trial on 102 overweight adults that the group of participants taking 300 mg of IGOB131® (African mango extract) daily experienced a substantial decrease in body weight and waist circumference. [3]

It is noteworthy that not enough data is available with regard to the clinical efficacy of African mango to lose weight. For this reason, medical scientists recommend much more extensive research to confirm the effectiveness of the African mango in reducing body weight.

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

African mango extract is found to be safe. An animal study showed that African mango extract at a dose of 2500mg per kg body weight daily for 90 days is found to be well tolerated. [4]

There may be some mild adverse effects of African mango. They are as follows: [5]

• Headache

• Gas

• Flatulence

• Difficulty sleeping

Besides, there is a reported case of renal failure in dialysis patient consuming African mango.

African Mango During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Since there is no sufficient data as to the safety of African mango during pregnancy and lactation, avoid the same for the interest of your baby. [6]

Caffeine, Including Caffeine from Guarana, Kola Nut, Yerba Maté, or Other Herbs

Caffeine is a natural stimulant. Its stimulant effect is mild in nature. It can enhance our energy and alertness immediately. [7]

The rich sources of caffeine are guarana, kola nut, yerba mate. Also at the same time green tea, other forms of tea, and coffee contain caffeine. [7, 8]

Mechanism of Action

Caffeine helps to lose weight by: [9, 10]

• Stimulating central nervous system

• Boosting energy expenditure (thermogenesis)

• Increasing breakdown of the fatty acid (fat oxidation)

Clinical Efficacy

A study on 167 overweight people for the duration of 6 months found that the group of people taking supplement composed of Kola Nut (caffeine) at a dose of 192mg/day and ma huang (ephedrine) at a dose of 90mg/day lost remarkably more weight than a placebo group. [11]

It is noteworthy that the participants were asked to take their usual diet and exercise moderately.

Another study on 47 overweight adult overweight people ranging for 45 days demonstrated that a supplement formed of 336mg of yerba mate, 285mg of guarana, and 108mg of damiana reduced significantly more weight in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.  [12]

An observational study on 18,417 healthy males and 39,740 healthy females for a long period of 12 years reached the conclusion that caffeine is helpful in maintaining weight loss. [13]

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

The safe dose of caffeine ranges from 400mg to 500mg per day.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend 400mg of caffeine per day. It amounts to 4 or 5 cups of coffee daily. [14, 15]

Caffeine during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Caffeine is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Now the question is- what is the safe dose of caffeine for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers?

As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the consumption of caffeine less than 200 mg per day does not pose any risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. So, the safe dose of caffeine consumption for pregnant women is 200 mg per day. [16]  

Likewise, as per the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), consumption of 200 mg of caffeine by breastfeeding women poses no safety concerns for infants. [15]

Carnitine

Carnitine is a broad term for different compounds such as L-carnitine itself, several acylcarnitine (e.g., acetyl-L-carnitine), and propionyl-L-carnitine. Carnitine is a chemical that aids to convert fat into energy. It is synthesized form of two important types of amino acids lysine and methionine. [17]
Carnitine is a natural element that is abundant in meat, fish, poultry, milk, and dairy products.

Mechanism of Action

It aids to lose weight by-

• Increasing the breakdown of the fatty acid (fat oxidation)

Clinical Efficacy

In a study on 254 patients with type 2 diabetes, the medical scientists found that the group of patients taking 2g/day carnitine in combination with orlistat 360mg/day lost more weight compared to the group taking orlistat alone. [18]

A meta-analysis of 37 randomized control trials involving 2292 showed that l-carnitine has the capacity to lose weight at a moderate level. [19]

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

There is no safety concern about taking carnitine at a dose of 2g/day for up to one year and 4g/day for up to 56 days.

The user may face the following side effects: [20]

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fishy odor in the body

• May increase TAMO (trimethylamine N-oxide), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Carnitine during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Severe deficiency of carnitine plasma concentration occurs during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, if a normal diet fails to compensate for carnitine deficiency, carnitine supplementation becomes necessary to overcome the deficiency. [21, 22, 23]

So, it can be said that carnitine is not only safe but also necessary.

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green Coffee extract is collected from unroasted green coffee beans. The extract is the form of concentrated chlorogenic acid.

Though the idea of green coffee extract’s capacity to lose weight dates back several years, it got momentum when Dr. Oz., an American celebrity physician, campaigned it as a magical weight loss component in 2012. [24]

Now it is well-accepted that green coffee extract has the capacity to lose weight.

Mechanism of Action

It contributes to losing weight by:

• Preventing fat accumulation

• Formulating glucose metabolism.

Clinical Efficacy

A meta-analysis research report of three clinical trials published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice in 2010 demonstrated that green coffee beans at a dose of 180mg or 200mg/day decreased moderate weight loss. But the report claimed that the trials were of poor quality and of bias. [25]

Regardless of criticisms of the quality of previous research, subsequent studies confirmed without raising any objection the efficacy of coffee beans in weight loss.

For instance, a meta-analysis after the review of 13 articles and 16 randomized control trials published in Phytomedicine in 1919 revealed that the green coffee bean contributed substantially to losing weight. [26]

A very recent randomized, double-blind study on 60 healthy overweight adults in 2021 shows that CGA 7 extracted from green coffee beans substantially lowered body weight. [27]

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

At a dose of 1000 mg for 4 to 12 weeks green coffee extract is found safe. [28] But there may be some adverse effects: [28]

• Headache

• Urinary tract infection

Green Coffee Bean Extract during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Since there is no sufficient data as to the safety of green coffee extract, it is better to stay on the safe side and abstain from using it. [28]

Green Tea and Green Tea Extract

In the domain of tea, green tea is the richest source of anti-oxidant properties. It has a low-calorie intake.  The components of caffeine and catechins present in green tea are catalysts for losing weight. But green tea contains less caffeine than coffee and black tea.

Mechanism of Action

Green tea or green tea extract helps to lose weight by: [29, 30, 31]

• Boosting energy expenditure

• Boosting Fat oxidation

• Lowering lipogenesis

• Lowering fat absorption

Clinical Efficacy

A review study of 14 randomized control clinical trials involving 1562 overweight adults that ranged from 12 to 13 weeks concluded that green tea supplements contributed to losing on an average 0.95 kg more weight than placebo. [32]

Another review study of 15 randomized control trials demonstrated that green tea catechins at a dose of 576–690 mg/day combined with caffeine caused a significant reduction of body weight, but green tea catechins without caffeine had no effect on body weight.

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

Green tea extract at a dose of 250-500 mg/day is safe. [33] But it may have some side effects: [34]

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Stomach discomfort

• Liver damage in rare cases

• Increase blood pressure and heartbeat

Green Tea and Green Tea Extract during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Green tea is safe during pregnancy at a moderate level. But in this respect, keep in mind that you have to limit the consumption of green tea due to the presence of two ingredients in green tea. They are caffeine and catechins. [35]

Excess amount of caffeine is harmful to the tiny one in your womb and catechins deter the absorption of folic acid which is vital for forming neural tubes and preventing some birth defects in the baby. [35, 36]

Consumption of green tea (an amount that equals high caffeine intake) by lactating mothers may cause fussiness, jitteriness, and poor sleep patterns in infants. [37]

It is noteworthy that overall caffeine consumption for pregnant and lactating mothers up to 200 mg is safe a day. [16]

With regard to green tea extract, an animal study demonstrated that prenatal consumption of green tea extract contributed to preventing inflammation in offspring after weaning but maternal consumption of green tea extract affected negatively as it led to developing a pro-inflammatory state in offspring after weaning. [38, 39]

But the University of Maryland Medical Center advises abstaining from consuming green tea during pregnancy and lactation.

White Kidney Bean

White kidney bean is scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris L. [40] White kidney bean possesses α-amylase inhibitors that contribute to reducing and maintaining weight by blocking carbohydrates. A number of clinical studies substantiated the amazing capacity of this weight-loss ingredient to lose weight.

Mechanism of Action

White kidney bean supports to lose weight by:

• Interfering with the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates

Clinical Efficacy

A randomized double-blind study on 60 mildly overweight women taking 2,000–2,200-calorie meals found that a 445 mg daily dose of dried extract of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (white kidney bean extract) caused substantially more weight loss to the treatment group than the placebo group. The result also demonstrated that the extract reduced the circumferences of the waist, hip, and thigh. [41]

A review study of 6 clinical trials involving 247 participants revealed that 445mg to 1500mg/day caused a significant decrease in body fat with no effect on body weight. [42, 43]

Later on, two 12-week clinical trials on 123 and 49 overweight people revealed that Phaseolus vulgaris L. extract (white kidney bean extract) at a dose of 1000mg thrice a day (total 3000mg daily) caused a significant reduction of fat and weight in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. The trials used Litramine® and Glucosanol™ brands as Phaseolus vulgaris L. extract. [44, 45]

In the subsequent 24-week trials, it was also surprisingly noticed that Phaseolus vulgaris L. extract was equally effective for weight maintenance along with weight reduction.

Safe Dosage and Side Effects

A Daily 3000mg dose of Phaseolus vulgaris L. extract is found safe. But there may be some minor side effects:

• Headaches

• Soft stools

• Flatulence

• Constipation

White Kidney Beans During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Beans (any type of beans) are not only safe but also a great source of folic acid, iron, and protein during pregnancy. As Cleveland Clinic advises the pregnant mother to take beans for the make-up of nutrition like iron, protein, and folic acid.

It is also safe during the period of lactation. As the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests breastfeeding mothers take beans among other foods.

But due to the lack of enough data as to the effect of Phaseolus vulgaris L. extract (white kidney bean extract) on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, you should avoid the extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to Choose Perfect Weight Loss Ingredients

Listen to Your Body’s Demand

Different ingredients function in different ways to lose weight. So, decide which mechanism of action is fit for you to lose weight.

Consider Safety Concern

Although generally, any ingredient is safe in moderate doses, mild adverse effects may occur. So, consider whether your body is fit enough to withstand the side effects of the respective ingredients.

Take Allergic Reaction to the Ingredient into Account

It is a common phenomenon that all weight loss ingredients are not suitable for every individual. Where an ingredient is beneficial for normal people, that may be allergic to you. Consequently, you have to consider the allergic sensitivity of the material.

Weight Loss Supplements Based on These Ingredients

Prime Shred– Exclusive Weigh Loss Pill for Men

Among other ingredients, Prime Shred contains three ingredients mentioned in the NIH fact sheet with regard to dietary supplements for weight loss. They are as follows:

• Green Tea Extract

• Green Coffee

• Caffeine Anhydrous

Trimtone– Exclusive Weigh Loss Pill for Women

Among other ingredients, Trimtone also possesses three ingredients from the NIH factsheet. They are underneath:

• Caffeine

• Green Coffee

• Green Tea

Meltamin– Ever best Weight Loss Beverage for Diabetic Patients

Meltamin is in the form of a beverage. From the NIH fact sheet, the following ingredients are found in this beverage:

• Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract

• Guarana Seed Extract

• Caffeine Anhydrous

• Bitter Orange Fruit Extract

• Green Tea Leaf Extract

• Chromium

Fat Burn Active – Suitable for Professional Athletes

From the NIH factsheet, the following ingredients are available in the supplement Fat Burn Active:

Guarana Seed Extract

Green Tea Leaf Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

Natural Caffeine Anhydrous

Burn XT T. Fat Burner – Suitable for Healthy Overweight People

The supplement Burn XT possesses the following ingredients of the NIH factsheet:

Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL

Green Tea Leaf Extract (Catechins)

Caffeine Anhydrous

Takeaway

The ingredients mentioned above are scientifically proven to lose weight. There is a general tendency that modern science is reluctant to recognize the efficacy of herbs and herbal supplements. Despite this situation, the recognition of the said ingredient as effective to lose weight by the American topmost institute NIH is of great significance. So, the supplements composed of the ingredients mentioned above are undoubtedly capable to lose weight. But the efficacy depends on your capacity to choose the one that is best suited for your individual health condition.

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20847896
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19254366/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23419021/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22386809/
5. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/irvingia-gabonensis#references-2
6. https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal facts sheet/african-mango.html
7. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/caffeine/
8. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/#en30
9. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-16837-001
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27824614/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12032741/
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11424516/
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554757/
14. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
15. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4102
16. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-        drinkwhilepregnant#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20moderate%20caffeine,energy%20drinks%2C%20and%20soft%20drinks.
17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22804748/
18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20683173/
19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32359762/
20. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/book/export/html/332
21. https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn200936
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4464594/
23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31732292/
24. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/green-coffee#weight-loss
25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20871849/
26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31398662/
27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7983441/
28. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1264.html
29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22465867/
30. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49643065_Antiobesity_effects_of_green_tea_catechins
    _A_mechanistic_review
31. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/98/6/1682S/4577486
32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23235664/
33. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-green-tea-extract#The-bottom-line
34. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538#side-effects
35. https://www.momjunction.com/articles/is-it-safe-to-drink-green-tea-during-pregnancy_0079274/
36. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html#:~:text=When%20the%20baby%20is%20
    developing%20early%20during%20pregnancy%2C,neural%20tube%20forms%20the%20early%20brain%20and%20spine.
37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501847/
38. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30020947/
39. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-20174-x#:~:text=This%20study%20demonstrates%20that%20the,specific%20retroperitoneal%20and%20mesenteric%20depots.
40. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=26857#null
41. https://medsci.org/v04p0045.pdf
42. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/efficacy-of-phaseolus-vulgaris-as-a-weightloss-supplement-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis-of-randomised-clinical-trials/486488712F3A8CE3A25D97533A21DDEB
43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22844674/
44. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23505169/
45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24006357/

Nomenclature

As per Integrated Taxonomic Information System from USA, the scientific name of clove is Syzygium aromaticum, Linn. (foremerly known as Eugenia caryophyllata, Thunb.)  It belongs to Myrtaceae family and Syzygium genus.

      Other Scientific Names

                            Caryophyllus aromaticus L.

                           Eugenia caryophyllus (Spreng.) Bullock & S. Harrison

        Names in Traditional System of Medicine

                         Unani Name: Koronful

                         Ayurvedic Name: Lavanga, Laung

Description

Plant Identity

The clove tree is a multi-branched perennial plant. It is also a tropical evergreen woody plant in nature that grows about 26 to 50 feet high. The branches contain plenty of leaves that are 3-5 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. [1, 2, 3]

The clove tree flowers when it reaches 5 to 7 years. As a monoecious plant, the clove tree can produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. [4, 5]

At the tips of branchlets, the peduncle emerges and the flowers are born in clusters with white thin petals followed by fruits or clove. Cloves are about one inch long and the tip of the fruits has four notched spots, topped by a round seed.

Habitat of the Plant

The origin of cloves in the Moluccas, which are now part of Indonesia. [6] It is also grown in Madagascar, Tanzania, Srilanka, China, Malaysia, Comoros, Kenya, and south Asian countries. [7,8]

Parts Used in Medicine

Fruits, oil, and seeds

Color

Cloves are light green when raw, red when ripe and reddish pink when dried.

Taste & Scent

Cloves have a strong pungent taste and a pungent aroma.  It also has a slightly bitter taste.

Nutrition Facts of Clove

Cloves are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Apart from medicinal use, cloves have extensive uses to add aroma to food. Using whole clove or ground clove can give you various important nutrients.

As per USDA, 1 tsp (2.1 g) of ground cloves contains:

Fiber: 0.712 g

Carb: 1.38 g

Protein: 0.125 g

Calcium: 13.3 mg

Potassium: 21.4 mg

Vitamin K (phylloquinone): 2.98 µg

Calorie: 5.75

Besides it also contains 0.273 g of fat, 5.44 mg of magnesium, 2.18 mg of phosphorus, 5.82 mg of sodium, and 1.26 mg of manganese.

Moreover, it also contains eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thymol, kaempferol, and saponin.

Bioactivity of Clove

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Aphrodisiac, Analgesic, Antiseptic, Cardioprotective, Stimulant, Antiseptic, Cardioprotective, Anti-asthmatic, Anti-inflammatory, Antihyperlipidemic, Diuretic, Digestive, Hepatoprotective. [9, 10, 11]

Clove Oil and FDA Approval

It is interesting that U.S. Food and Drug Administration has endorsed the safety of clove buds, clove oil, and some clove components as a dietary supplement. [12, 13]

FDA also approved clove oil and its most valued chemical eugenol as an OTC ingredient. [14]

The approval was given to use them for some specific purposes. They are as follows:

                   Clove oil:   for the protection of skin (astringent).

                   Eugenol:  for pain relief in the case of a fever blister or cold sore,                                                 poison ivy, oak, and sumac;

                                     for protection of skin (astringent);

                                     for anesthesia;

                                     for the relief of oral discomfort.

Health Benefits of Clove and Its Usage

Gut’s Care

Reduces Gas and Bloating and Increases Digestion

There is a use of clove in a great deal to reduce gas and bloating both in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine. 

After taking a meal, the consumption of clove oil can increase digestive enzymes and thereby decrease gas in the stomach. [15]

Apart from that, you can use clove to get rid of gas in another way. Take several cloves (2-3 cloves) in a glass of water. Then, grind and boil them. After that drink the water when it is lukewarm.

Prevents Ulcers

Clove essential oil helps to prevent ulcers by enhancing the production of mucus in the stomach.

A study found proof of clove’s anti-ulcer activity by increasing gastric mucus production. [16]

Another study demonstrated that gastric mucus acts as a protective layer between the stomach lining and digestive acids. [17]

Prevents Food Poisoning

The Research identified that clove essential oil has the capacity to inactivate effectively three common types of bacteria including salmonella that are responsible for food poisoning.

So, clove essential oil is effective to prevent diseases arising out of food poisoning like diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, headache, etc.

Dental Care

Destroys Germs in the Mouth

In Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medication, there was a use of clove as a germicidal substance to destroy the germs in the mouth.

Research also found that clove essential oils have microbicide functions such anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic.

Relieves Toothache and Gum Pain

Clove is effective to strengthen the gums and remove bad breath. The analgesic property of clove is equally effective to relieve toothache and gum pain.

The research found that clove has the ability to halt the growth of two specific types of bacteria that may lead to gum disease.

To get this benefit, you can use cloves in the following ways: [18, 19]

Chewing Whole Clove

It is quite simple. Take some whole cloves in your mouth, moisten and soften them with your saliva. Then crush them with your non-molar teeth until pain-relieving oil comes out. Once you have done this, hold crushed cloves in your aching tooth for about half an hour without spitting them out.

Ground Clove

If you are in severe pain, you may use the ground clove. At first, take some whole clove and then grind them. Add olive oil to the ground clove and mix them well. Then, dip a cotton swab in the solution and apply it to the inflamed region in the mouth.

Ground Clove and Cayenne Pepper

Take some whole cloves and cayenne peppers in equal amounts and then grind them. After that prepare a thick paste by mixing some water. Then take a cotton ball and roll it into the solution to cover the surface thoroughly. Put the cotton ball into the aching tooth or painful part of your gum.

Clove Oil

Take a few drops of clove oil and dilute it with an edible carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Then soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply the same to the sore tooth or sore spot of your gum. In this respect, take care that it does not come in contact with the healthy part of your gum because it may cause a burning sensation.

Prevents Tooth Cavities and Relieves Pain

Clove is also effective to prevent tooth cavities and alleviate the pain thereto.

A 2006 study demonstrated that clove essential oil protects teeth from erosion caused by acidic beverages. And this erosion of teeth leads to dental cavities. [20, 21]

In a study, a group of researchers experimented with the efficacy of 10 herbal products against the organisms responsible for a tooth cavity. Of these products, clove oil was found to be most effective at deterring the organisms causing tooth cavities. [22] 

In this respect, mix clove essential oil with carrier oils like olive oil or coconut oil.

Then, take a cotton ball and soak it in the said mixture, and put the same in the cavity. This will relieve you from the pain of the cavity.

Gets Rid of Teeth Stains

Clove is beneficial for the removal of teeth stains. The bleaching agents of clove and its anti-oxidant property are highly effective to whiten teeth. [23]

So, in order to get rid of the stains of teeth and other microbial organisms attached to the teeth, you can brush your teeth with ground cloves or apply the clove essential oils over the teeth.

Removes Bad Breath

Clove removes bad breath instantly. The phenolic compounds present in clove destroy bacteria responsible for bread breath.

If you face this sort of problem, chew some cloves several times a day.

Else, you may also use clove essential oil. Take 1-2 drops of clove essential oil and mix the same with half a glass of water. Then rinse your mouth with this solution twice a day in the morning and at night.

Temporary Uses in Dental Filling

Dentists fill teeth with a mixture of clove essential oil and zinc oxide as a provisional substitute for a root canal. [24]

Clove for Regular Oral hygiene

To maintain oral hygiene, you need to brush and floss your health regularly. Moreover, if you can use mouthwash sometimes, it can help to prevent gingivitis and gum diseases in your mouth.

In this respect, clove oil-based mouthwash is a good choice.

The rationale is that due to the germicidal and anesthetic properties of clove oil, the said mouthwash will protect you from severe oral diseases.  Besides, it will protect your mouth from inflammation and dryness. Apart from that, compared to alcohol-based mouthwashes, it is not unpleasantly rough. On top of that, its distinctive and overwhelming scent acts as a mouth freshener.

Dentists always recommend buying dental products containing clove oil as it is extremely beneficial in freshening breath and maintaining overall oral health.

Other Benefits of the Clove

1. Strengthens the Main organs of the body

2. Strengthens the power of the brain

3. Alleviates heartbeat.

4. Refreshes heart 

5. Prevents gangrene

6. Enhances the power of the stomach

7. Alleviates the bodily pain

8. Enhances the power of the kidney

9. Relives nausea and vomiting

10. Relives dripping urine

11. Enhances the power of Liver

12. Relieves pain in the uterus

13. Destroys the worms in the stomach

14. Reduces blood pressure

15. Decreases the extra fat in the blood

16. Causes urinary and menstrual flow

17. Acts as voice cleaner

18. Serves as a mucus thickener and expectorant

19. Removes inflammation

20. Relives paralysis especially facial paralysis

21. Beneficial for skin diseases

22. Topical uses alleviate arthritis

23. Increases eyesight

24. Alleviates earache 

Special Functions

1. Sexual Power Booster

2. Enhancer of the strength of the main organs of the body

3. Anti-inflammatory

4. Painkiller

5. Aromatic

Takeaway

From the above discussion, it is clear that the health benefits of clove beggar description. It is an essential element in most of the Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. 

However, although cloves are highly beneficial for health, they may not be suitable for all people. So be aware of the side effects before using clove or clove essential oil.