Characterization of Essential Oil Composition of Syzygium aromaticum Linn. (Clove) by GC-MS and Evaluation of its Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

Background: Syzygium aromaticum Linn. (Clove, Family: Myrtaceae) is traditionally used as a spice and condiment; and medicinally used as a dental analgesic, carminative, and antiseptic. The Clove buds are widely used as a spice in Kurdish foods and are abundantly available in the local market; the quality of Clove available in the local market of Erbil has not been studied till now. Therefore, the aim of current research is to characterize essential oil composition by gas-chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and evaluate its antioxidant potential by the DPPH method. Results: The GC-MS analysis of Clove essential oil resulted identification of 37 chemical compounds which constitute about 99.49% of total essential oil. Clove essential oil was found rich in eugenol (59.87%), caryophyllene (23.58%), α-selinene (4.67%), α-terpinyl acetate (4.12%), and humulene (3.74%). The Clove essential oil was found potent antioxidant with a maximum inhibition of 90.94% and it was found comparable with standard antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid (92.94%), and gallic acid (87.80%) inhibition. Conclusion: The present study explores the essential oil composition of Clove found in the Kurdistan region and results also show its essential oil has potent antioxidant activity.