Cloves are a commonly used spice in cooking, but they also have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Some proponents claim that cloves can provide benefits for kidney health and function. But what does the science say? Are cloves actually good for your kidneys?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of cloves for kidney health. We’ll look at the nutritional profile of cloves, how they may impact kidney function, and what the research says about their effects on kidney disease and related conditions. Read on to learn more about the potential renal effects of this popular spice!
Nutritional profile of cloves
Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. They have asweet, spicy flavor and aroma and contain several beneficial plant compounds, including:
- Eugenol – A natural anti-inflammatory compound
- Acetyleugenol – An antiseptic and anesthetic agent
- Gallic acid – An antioxidant that helps protect cells
- Oleanolic acid – A triterpenoid with antioxidant effects
In terms of vitamins and minerals, cloves are a good source of:
- Manganese – An essential mineral needed for metabolism and antioxidant function
- Vitamin K – Important for blood clotting
- Vitamin C – An antioxidant that supports immune function
- Potassium – Helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure
With their unique phytochemical makeup and vitamin/mineral content, cloves have the potential to impact kidney health and function when consumed regularly.
Potential kidney benefits of cloves
Here are some of the ways that cloves may benefit kidney health:
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation is a major driver of kidney disease progression. Compounds like eugenol in cloves have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the kidneys. This could potentially slow damage and deterioration of kidney structures and function.
Antioxidant protection
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses in the body. This imbalance contributes to kidney disease by promoting inflammation and damage to kidney cells and tissues. The antioxidants in cloves, including phenolic compounds and vitamins C and E, help counteract oxidative stress and may support kidney health.
Reduced kidney stone risk
Some research indicates that cloves could help prevent the formation of kidney stones. In one study, giving rats a clove extract for 8 weeks decreased signs of kidney stone development. Researchers think cloves may increase urine volume and prevent crystal formation, both of which can reduce stone risk.
Improved blood glucose control
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels are very damaging to kidney structures like the nephrons that filter blood. Some compounds in cloves have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in animal studies. This hypoglycemic effect could also be protective for the kidneys.
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Animal studies demonstrate that cloves relax blood vessels and act as a natural vasodilator. This blood pressure-lowering effect could reduce pressure within the kidneys and slow the progression of kidney deterioration.
Increased urine output
Research shows that cloves act as a mild diuretic, meaning they can increase urine production and output. This helps flush the kidneys and prevent the buildup of waste products. It may also lower the risk of urinary tract infections.
Potential risks and side effects
While cloves have many potential benefits, there are some potential downsides to be aware of as well:
- Blood thinning – Cloves contain compounds that have anti-platelet activity and may increase bleeding risk. People on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should exercise caution with cloves.
- Drug interactions – Cloves may interact with some medications like anticoagulants, anti-seizure drugs, and others metabolized by the liver.
- Oral irritation – Cloves can cause irritation, numbness, and sensitivity when applied directly to the gums, lips or inner cheeks due to their eugenol content.
- Allergic reactions – Some people are allergic to cloves and may experience respiratory symptoms or skin irritations when exposed.
In general, cloves are safe when consumed in normal culinary amounts by healthy individuals. Those with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before increasing intake specifically for therapeutic purposes.
Research on cloves for kidney health
What does the current research have to say about the impact of cloves on the kidneys? Here is a summary of some key scientific studies:
Animal studies
– A study in rats with kidney failure found that giving a clove extract increased urine output, normalized creatinine clearance, and improved kidney histology compared to untreated rats with kidney dysfunction. Researchers concluded cloves had “nephroprotective” effects in this model of renal disease.
– Research in diabetic rats showed that supplementing with clove powder significantly lowered blood sugar levels and reduced kidney damage compared to diabetic rats not given cloves.
– One study explored the effects of cloves on kidney stones in rats. Rats given a clove extract had less crystal deposition in their kidneys and fewer indications of stone formation compared to rats supplemented with plain water.
Human studies
– A clinical trial had participants with type 2 diabetes take either a clove supplement or placebo daily for 30 days. The clove group had significant decreases in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c compared to placebo. High blood sugar is a risk factor for kidney disease, so cloves may provide benefits by improving glycemic control.
– One small study explored the effects of cloves on kidney function in healthy adults. Participants were given either a single oral dose of cloves or placebo. The clove group had a significant short-term increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine output compared to placebo, suggesting enhanced kidney performance.
However, larger and longer-term human studies are still needed to clearly establish the renal effects of cloves, especially in populations with existing kidney dysfunction.
Using cloves safely for kidney health
Here are some tips for safely using cloves if you want to try incorporating more into your diet for potential kidney benefits:
– Stick to culinary amounts, about 1-2 g per day. Higher doses may increase risks for side effects.
– Avoid combining with blood thinners or other medications without medical guidance.
– Select high quality cloves without signs of mold or damage.
– Pair cloves with healthy kidney foods like citrus, berries, fish, and olive oil.
– Use cloves in marinades, stir fries, teas, and low-sugar baked goods.
– Monitor for any signs of irritation, bleeding, or allergic reaction.
– Talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease before significantly increasing intake.
The bottom line
Cloves are an antioxidant-rich spice that preliminary research suggests may offer some protective effects for kidney health. Specifically, cloves may help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, increase urine output, prevent kidney stones, and protect kidney cells from oxidative damage.
However, larger human studies are still needed, especially in populations with impaired kidney function. When used in small culinary amounts, cloves are likely safe for most people. But those on medications or with bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before significantly increasing clove intake for therapeutic use.
Overall, incorporating cloves as part of a varied, kidney-healthy diet containing other protective foods like fatty fish, berries, citrus fruits, and olive oil may help support kidney function over the long-term. But cloves should not be relied on as a sole strategy for treating or preventing kidney disease.
References
- Ghelani H, Razack S, Lohidasan S, et al. Nephroprotective effect of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum L) in diabetes induced renal damage. J Pharm Res. 2010;3(4):908-911.
- Kumar N, Rungseevijitprapa W, Narkkhong NA, Suttajit M, Chaiyasut C. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde from roasted cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) inhibits advanced glycation endproduct formation. Food Chem. 2012 Apr 1;131(2):779-82.
- Shen Y, Fukushima M, Ito Y, et al. Verification of the antidiabetic effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) using insulin-uncontrolled type 1 diabetic rats and cultured adipocytes. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(12):2418-2425.
- Stanely Mainzen Prince P, Menon VP. Antioxidant action of T. indica and S. aromaticum in rats fed with high fructose diet. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2007;41(2):140-144.
- Khan R, Islam B, Akram M, et al. Antimicrobial activity of five herbal extracts against multi drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria and fungus of clinical origin. Molecules. 2009;14(2):586-597.