Plant Comparison
Aloe Vera vs Clove
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Aloe Vera and Clove: they share 9 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, cancer (anticancer research), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Aloe Vera | Clove | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Headache | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Acemannan and other glucomannans are the principal gel polysaccharides, underlying the emollient and wound-healing effects.
Found mainly in the leaf latex (not the inner gel); responsible for the traditional laxative effect and requiring caution with prolonged use.
Minor bioactive enzymes, vitamins (including C and E) and minerals contribute to the antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties of the gel.
Eugenol typically makes up the great majority of clove oil and is responsible for most of its analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Aloe vera and its anthraquinone aloe-emodin show dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against multiple cancer types in vitro and in vivo (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from vulnerary action
Aloe-emodin, an Aloe vera anthraquinone, induces apoptosis and inhibits growth of gastric, oral squamous, hepatocellular, lung (incl. xenograft) and glioblastoma cancer cells, modulating caspases, Bcl-2/Bax, PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signalling (preclinical).
inferred from emollient action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Topical use of aloe gel is generally safe for most people. Oral use of aloe latex as a laxative is potentially unsafe with prolonged use due to risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potential kidney damage. Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosides which may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May interact with diabetes medications, diuretics, and laxatives. Oral aloe gel at typical doses appears safe short-term but long-term safety is unclear. Allergic reactions possible in sensitive individuals.
Duke (2002) reports clinical evidence (score 2/3) supporting aloe gel's use in psoriasis, constipation (in adults), and as a vulnerary. Gel preparations have been clinically validated for peptic ulcers (excluding stress-induced), radiation burns, and skin ulcers. Dose: 1 tablespoon gel three times daily or 50–200 mg dried juice equivalent per day as a laxative. An important safety distinction is made: the gel (inner leaf mucilage) is AHPA Class 1 (safe), while the inner leaf juice or dried latex is Class 2b due to anthraquinone content and is contraindicated in intestinal inflammation, colitis, Crohn's disease, appendicitis, and during menstruation (Duke, 2002).
Strong and concentrated: Clove oil is very potent and should always be diluted before skin or mouth use.Dental use: Undiluted clove oil can burn gums or skin.Blood thinning: Clove may increase bleeding risk in large amounts or with anticoagulants.Pregnancy: Culinary amounts are fine; medicinal doses should be used cautiously.Children: Essential oil should be used with extra caution and diluted well.
Duke (2002) rates cloves as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for analgesic activity — specifically, topical application of clove oil (eugenol) for dental pain is clinically validated. The plant also shows strong antimicrobial, antifungal (anti-Candida), antispasmodic, and antiviral activities at the experimental level. Commission E approves topical clove preparations for dental pain. Recommended dose: 1–5% clove oil preparation (topical) or 150 mg clove powder internally. The essential oil is irritating to mucous membranes and should not be applied undiluted to skin or mucous membranes (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Succulent, rosette-forming perennial with thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves edged with soft, pale teeth, each leaf filled with a clear, slippery, mucilaginous gel beneath a tougher green rind. In favourable conditions it produces a tall flowering spike bearing tubular yellow (sometimes orange) flowers.[1]
Evergreen tree (Myrtaceae), 8-12 m tall (occasionally to 20 m), with a pyramidal crown. Leaves are glossy, elliptical and aromatic. Small crimson flowers are borne in terminal clusters; the unopened flower buds, picked before they open and dried, are the 'cloves' of commerce and the medicinal/culinary part used.[2]
Habitat
Believed native to the Arabian Peninsula, and now cultivated and naturalised throughout arid and semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions worldwide as a garden, medicinal and commercial crop.[1]
Native to the Maluku Islands (Moluccas, the historic 'Spice Islands') of Indonesia, now cultivated throughout the tropics, notably Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, in warm, humid, well-drained tropical conditions.[2]
Harvesting
Outer, mature leaves are cut close to the base as needed; the clear inner gel (mucilage) is separated from the outer rind and from the bitter yellow latex (aloin-containing exudate) just under the rind, since the gel and the latex have different uses and safety profiles.[1]
Unopened flower buds are hand-picked while still green-pink, just before they would open, then sun-dried until they turn dark reddish-brown - the familiar clove spice.[2]
Traditional Uses
Aloe vera has an ancient reputation, recorded from ancient Egypt onward, as a topical remedy for burns, wounds and skin inflammation (the 'burn plant' / 'first aid plant'), and the bitter leaf latex has been used traditionally as a stimulant laxative. It remains one of the most widely used topical botanicals for skin care and minor wound healing.[1]
Clove has an ancient trade history and a long traditional use across Asian, African and European medicine as a dental analgesic (chewed or applied as oil for toothache), a digestive carminative, and an antiseptic. Modern research on its principal constituent eugenol supports strong analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, with clove oil remaining a recognised topical dental-pain remedy.[2]
Preparations
Dosage
The WHO monograph on Aloe Vera Gel specifies fresh gel, or preparations containing 10-70% fresh gel, applied to the affected skin area. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Sanchez, M., Gonzalez-Burgos, E., Iglesias, I. and Gomez-Serranillos, M.P (2020) 'Pharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents', Molecules, 25(6), pp. 1324. doi:10.3390/molecules25061324 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324 - Kaur, S. and Bains, K (2023) 'Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera)', International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 94(3-4), pp. 308-321. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000797 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000797 - Catalano, A., Ceramella, J., Iacopetta, D., Marra, M., Conforti, F., Lupi, F.R., Gabriele, D., Borges, F. and Sinicropi, M.S (2024) 'Aloe vera - an extensive review focused on recent studies', Foods, 13(13), pp. 2155. doi:10.3390/foods13132155 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132155 - Surjushe, A., Vasani, R. and Saple, D.G (2008) 'Aloe vera: a short review', Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), pp. 163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785 - Liang, J., Cui, L., Li, J., Guan, S., Zhang, K. and Li, J (2020) 'Aloe vera: a medicinal plant used in skin wound healing', Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 27(5), pp. 455-474. doi:10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0236 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0236 - Guo, X. and Mei, N (2016) 'Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects', Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part C, 34(2), pp. 77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826 - Boyapati, R., Peeta, J., Dhulipalla, R., Kolaparthy, L., Adurty, C. and Cheruvu, R.N.S (2024) 'Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: a randomized controlled trial', Dental and Medical Problems, 61(2), pp. 181-190. doi:10.17219/dmp/156425 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.17219/dmp/156425 - Hekmatpou, D., Mehrabi, F., Rahzani, K. and Aminiyan, A (2019) 'The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review', Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 44(1), pp. 1-9. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20effect%20of%20Aloe%20vera%20clinical%20trials%20on%20prevention%20and%20healing%20of%20skin%20wound%3A%20a%20systematic%20review - Gao, Y., Kuok, K.I., Jin, Y. and Wang, R (2018) 'Biomedical applications of Aloe vera', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(sup1), pp. S244-S256. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1496320 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1496320 - Feily, A. and Namazi, M.R (2009) 'Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review', Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 144(1), pp. 85-91. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Aloe%20vera%20in%20dermatology%3A%20a%20brief%20review - Sierra-Garcia, G.D., Castro-Rios, R., Gonzalez-Horta, A., Lara-Arias, J. and Chavez-Montes, A (2014) 'Acemannan, an extracted polysaccharide from Aloe vera: a literature review', Natural Product Communications, 9(8), pp. 1217-1221. doi:10.1177/1934578x1400900836 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1400900836 - World Health Organization (1999) 'Aloe Vera Gel'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Femenia A, Sánchez ES, Simal S, Rosselló C. Compositional features of polysaccharides from Aloe vera (1999) ';39(2):109-117', 39(2). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B39%282%29%3A109-117. - Catalano A, Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, et al. Aloe vera - An extensive review focused on recent studies. Foods. 2024;13 (2024) ';13(13):2155', 13(13). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B13%2813%29%3A2155. - Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44 (2019) ';44(1):1-9', 44(1). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/ - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aloe vera. NIH. 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera (2020) 'https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera'. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera Traditional / reference
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera - Sahu PK, Giri DD, Singh R, et al. Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Aloe vera: A review. Pharmacol Pharm. 2013;4:599-610 (2013) ';4:599-610'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B4%3A599-610. - Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Pharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents. Molecules. 2020;25 (2020) ';25(6):1324', 25(6). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144722/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144722/ - Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53 (2008) ';53(4):163-166', 53(4). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/ - Ulbricht C, Armstrong J, Basch E, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of Aloe vera by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2008;7 (2008) ';7(3-4):279-323'. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/ Traditional / reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/ - Haroon, N. and Amjad, A. and Maaz, M. and Noman, A.M. and Anees, N. and Muhammad, Z. and Shah, M. and Al Abdulmonem, W (2026) 'Phytochemistry, Bioavailability, and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Multitarget Anticancer Activity of Aloe vera', Nutrients, 18(12), pp. 2034. doi:10.3390/nu18122034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18122034 - Chen, S.-H. and Lin, K.-Y. and Chang, C.-C. and Fang, C.-L. and Lin, C.-P (2007) 'Aloe-emodin-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45(11), pp. 2296-2303. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.06.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.06.005 - Li, Q. and Wen, J. and Yu, K. and Shu, Y. and He, W. and Chu, H. and Zhang, B. and Ge, C (2018) 'Aloe-emodin induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC15 cells', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), pp. 296. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2353-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2353-z - Arcella, A. and Sanchez, M (2021) 'Natural substances to potentiate canonical glioblastoma chemotherapy', Journal of Chemotherapy, 33(5), pp. 276-287. doi:10.1080/1120009X.2021.1873633 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/1120009X.2021.1873633 - Zhu, M. and He, Q. and Wang, Y. and Duan, L. and Rong, K. and Wu, Y. and Ding, Y. and Mi, Y. and Ge, X. and Yang, X. and Yu, Y (2023) 'Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, pp. 1238841. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841 - Kim, H.J. and Choi, J.W. and Ree, J. and Lim, J.S. and Lee, J. and Kim, J.I. and Thapa, S.B. and Sohng, J.K. and Park, Y.I (2022) 'Aloe emodin 3-O-glucoside inhibits cell growth and migration and induces apoptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer cells via suppressing MEK/ERK and Akt signalling pathways', Life Sciences, 300, pp. 120495. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120495 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120495 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N. and Punthanitisarn, S (2016) 'Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(2), pp. 180-188. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12382 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12382 - Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N. and Punthanitisarn, S (2016) 'Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(2), pp. 180-188. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12382 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12382 - Gardening Know How 'Aloe Vs. Agave Plants: What's The Difference Between Aloe And Agave'. Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-tell-agave-and-aloe-apart.htm Traditional / reference
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-tell-agave-and-aloe-apart.htm - Ricks, M.R. and Vogel, P.S. and Elston, D.M. and Hivnor, C (1999) 'Purpuric agave dermatitis', Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 40(2 Pt 2), pp. 356-8. doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70485-8 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70485-8 - Genillier-Foin, N. and Avenel-Audran, M (2007) 'Purpuric contact dermatitis from Agave americana', Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie, 134(5 Pt 1), pp. 477-8. doi:10.1016/s0151-9638(07)89218-0 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0151-9638(07)89218-0
- Haro-Gonzalez, J.N., Castillo-Herrera, G.A., Martinez-Velazquez, M. and Espinosa-Andrews, H (2021) 'Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Extraction, Chemical Composition, Food Applications, and Essential Bioactivity for Human Health', Molecules, 26(21), pp. 6387. doi:10.3390/molecules26216387 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216387 - Batiha, G.E., Alkazmi, L.M., Wasef, L.G., Beshbishy, A.M. and others (2020) 'Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities', Biomolecules, 10(2), pp. 202. doi:10.3390/biom10020202 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10020202 - Vicidomini, C., Roviello, V. and Roviello, G.N (2021) 'Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 Utility', Molecules, 26(7), pp. 1880. doi:10.3390/molecules26071880 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26071880 - Irahal, I.N., Guenaou, I., Lahlou, F.A., Hmimid, F. and others (2022) 'Syzygium aromaticum bud (clove) essential oil is a novel and safe aldose reductase inhibitor: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence', Hormones (Athens), 21(2), pp. 229-240. doi:10.1007/s42000-021-00347-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42000-021-00347-6 - Yassin, M.T., Mostafa, A.A. and Al-Askar, A.A (2020) 'In vitro anticandidal potency of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extracts against vaginal candidiasis', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(1), pp. 25. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-2818-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-2818-8 - Kiki, M.J (2023) 'In Vitro Antiviral Potential, Antioxidant, and Chemical Composition of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Essential Oil', Molecules, 28(6), pp. 2421. doi:10.3390/molecules28062421 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062421 - Radunz, M., da Trindade, M.L.M., Camargo, T.M., Radunz, A.L. and others (2019) 'Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of unencapsulated and encapsulated clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) essential oil', Food Chemistry, 276, pp. 180-186. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.09.173 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.09.173 - Shakeel, F., Alam, P., Ali, A., Alqarni, M.H. and others (2021) 'Investigating Antiarthritic Potential of Nanostructured Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) in FCA-Induced Arthritic Rats: Pharmaceutical Action and Delivery Strategies', Molecules, 26(23), pp. 7327. doi:10.3390/molecules26237327 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237327 - Tu, Z., Moss-Pierce, T., Ford, P. and Jiang, T.A (2014) 'Syzygium aromaticum L. (Clove) extract regulates energy metabolism in myocytes', Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(9), pp. 1003-1010. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0175 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0175 - Banerjee, S., Panda, C.K. and Das, S (2006) 'Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), a potential chemopreventive agent for lung cancer', Carcinogenesis, 27(8), pp. 1645-1654. doi:10.1093/carcin/bgi372 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgi372 - Bhowmik, D., Kumar, K.P.S., Yadav, A., Srivastava, S., Paswan, S. and Dutta, A.S (2012) 'Recent trends in Indian traditional herbs Syzygium aromaticum and its health benefits', 1(1), pp. 13--23. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Recent%20trends%20in%20Indian%20traditional%20herbs%20Syzygium%20aromaticum%20and%20its%20health%20benefits - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - World Health Organization (2002) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.