FLOWER: CLOVE - EXPERIMENT

Synonyms:

Clove buds, Clove flower, Lavang, caryophyllum

Biological Source:

Clove is the dried flower bud of Eugenia caryophyllus

Family: Myrtaceae

Morphology:

Size - l2 to 17 mm in length,4mm in length and 2mm thickness.

Shape-  Hypantheum is subcylindrical and surrounded with 4 thick acute sepals surrounded by dome shaped corolla.Corolla is dome shaped and consists of unexpanded membranous petals with several stamens and single style

Colour- Crimson to dark brown;

Odour- Aromatic,

Taste – Pungent and aromatic, followed by numbness.

The volatile oil is situated in the oil glands or ducts which are present in all parts of the flower bud.

Chemical Constituents:

VOLATILE OIL –

1.      Phenol - Eugenol and Acetyl eugenol,

2.      Sesquiterpenes- alpha and beta Caryophyllenes

TANNINS (gallotannic acid)

Small quantities of ester, ketone, alcohol and resins are also present.

Uses:

·         Dental analgesic and anaesthetic

·         Carminative

·         Stimulant

·         Aromatic.

·         Antiseptic  

·         Expectorant

·         Flavouring agent

·         Used in the preparation of cigarettes.

·         Used in the perfumery industry

·         Used in the manufacture of vanilla.

·         Use in the preparations of tooth paste,tooth powder and mouth wash.

Useful in common cold, headache and fever.