Chronic viral hepatitis C can cause liver damage, cirrhosis and cancer. In 2010, the virus infected about 1.5 percent of the American population, according to PubMed Health. About 85 percent of those infected develop chronic hepatitis C. Since drug regimens for the disease can cause vomiting, fatigue and fever, medical scientists are researching alternative antiviral drugs, including components in oil of cloves. Speak to a qualified medical professional about any health concerns you may have before treating any condition with oil of cloves.
Hepatitis C
Over 500 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus, which is contracted through contaminated blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It belongs to the same family as the viruses that cause the deadly diseases yellow fever, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. The two drugs given to treat hepatitis C, interferon and ribavirin, have serious side effects, including anemia and depression. In addition, they are not effective for many patients, according to a 2009 article in "Infectious Disorders Drug Targets."
Oil of Cloves
Essential oil of cloves is an age-old remedy for pain and minor infections, due to its pain-relieving and antiseptic actions. It is effective against a host of toxic bacteria, including E. coli, staph, salmonella and listeria. Additionally, essential oil of cloves has demonstrated antioxidant and antitumor properties, according to a review article in the June 2007 issue of "Phytotherapy Research."
Scientific Investigations
Eugenol and eugenol acetate are the primary constituents in oil of cloves, which also contains 35 other components. The 2007 "Phytotherapy Research" article notes that oil of cloves may have an inhibitory effect on viruses because it contains compounds such as phenylpropanoids, which protect plants from dangerous microbes. In addition, monoterpenols and monoterpenals are present in clove oil. These organic compounds have demonstrated the ability to kill viruses in test-tube research. As noted in a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in November 2000, scientists tested over 70 extracts for their ability to stop the hepatitis C virus. Of the extracts tested, eight proved effective in halting the virus's growth, including extract of cloves.
Safety and Considerations
Some nutritional or herbal supplements can be harmful to the liver. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to treat hepatitis C. Alcohol is especially toxic if you have hepatitis C and can cause the virus to advance more quickly, according to PubMed Health. As of 2011, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
References
- PubMed Health: Hepatitis C
- "Phytotherapy Research"; The Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Clove Essential Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllata (Syzigium Aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): a Short Review; Kamel Chaieb, et al.; June 2007
- "Infectious Disorders Drug Targets"; New Drug Targets for Hepatitis C and Other Flaviviridae Viruses; P. Tuma, et al.; April 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Inhibitory Effects of Sudanese Medicinal Plant Extracts on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Protease; G. Hussein, et al.; November 2000
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: World Hepatitis Day
- "Science News"; New Drug Boosts Hepatitis C Treatments; Nathan Seppa; March 2011
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