Clovinol® (Clove Bud Polyphenol for Metabolic Health — Akay Bioactives)

Syzygium aromaticum
Evidence Level
Strong
3 Clinical Trials
8 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

Clovinol® is Akay Bioactives' standardized clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) polyphenol extract, produced using hydroethanolic extraction methodology delivering a water-soluble powder rich in polyphenols. Sourced from selected pesticide-free Indonesian farms. Backed by 7+ published studies including RCTs for metabolic health: increased plasma glutathione, modulation of insulin resistance, cholesterol/lipid profile support, and alcohol detoxification. Vegan, non-GMO, allergen-free, Halal/Kosher certified. Clinical dose: 250 mg/day.

Studied Dose 250 mg/day.
Active Compound Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum L.) polyphenol extract; the polyphenolic fraction, distinct from eugenol-based clove oil.

Benefits

6-fold plasma glutathione increase vs synthetic GSH

In a comparative study in adults with metabolic syndrome (Clovinol vs synthetic glutathione at 250 mg/day), Clovinol enhanced plasma GSH by 6-fold compared to synthetic GSH, with significant enhancement in Nrf2, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH/GSSG ratio. Outperforming synthetic glutathione supplementation is unusual and supports Clovinol's antioxidant positioning.

Insulin resistance modulation (HOMA-IR, HbA1c, FBS, PPG)

The same study documented Clovinol improvements in fasting blood sugar, post-prandial glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index), and insulin levels. The multi-marker improvement indicates modulation of insulin resistance, the core driver of metabolic syndrome. Synthetic GSH showed no significant effect on blood glucose in the comparison.

Lipid profile support

Clovinol caused significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, plus increases in HDL in the metabolic syndrome trial. Synthetic GSH showed no significant effect on lipid metabolism. Comprehensive lipid profile improvement is rare for single-ingredient interventions, most of which affect only one or two lipid parameters.

3× reduction in acetaldehyde (alcohol metabolite)

In a separate crossover study in male social drinkers, Clovinol at 250 mg/day reduced acetaldehyde levels by 3× vs placebo. Acetaldehyde is the cytotoxic alcohol metabolite responsible for liver injury, extracellular matrix alterations, inflammation, and hangover in heavy drinkers. Positions Clovinol for alcohol-related applications.

Anti-inflammatory marker reduction

Clovinol significantly increased total leukocytes and reduced neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio plus inflammatory markers IL-1β and TNF-α in the metabolic syndrome trial. The anti-inflammatory effect complements the metabolic improvements, since chronic low-grade inflammation drives metabolic syndrome progression. Addressing inflammation supports long-term metabolic health vs symptomatic management.

Nrf2 antioxidant pathway activation

Clovinol enhanced Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) — the master regulator of cellular antioxidant defense. Nrf2 activation upregulates dozens of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes simultaneously, providing comprehensive cellular protection. The mechanism explains the broad antioxidant effects (glutathione, GSH/GSSG ratio, antioxidant enzymes) from a single intervention.

Hepatoprotective alcohol-induced damage

Beyond acetaldehyde reduction, Clovinol supplementation showed downregulation of alcohol-induced oxidative stress in clinical research — supporting its function as a hepatoprotective ingredient for liver health. Liver protection during alcohol consumption is particularly relevant for binge-drinking populations and those at risk of fatty liver disease.

Vegan, allergen-free, multi-certified

Clovinol is vegan, non-GMO, allergen-free, and Halal/Kosher certified — supporting clean-label applications across diverse consumer markets. Water-soluble powder format supports broad formulation applications including beverages and functional foods. Sourced from sustainable Indonesian clove farms with pesticide-free cultivation.

Mechanism of action

1

Nrf2 antioxidant master regulator activation

Nrf2 is the master transcription factor regulating cellular antioxidant defense. Activated Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus and upregulates dozens of antioxidant enzymes — glutathione synthesis, superoxide dismutase, catalase, NQO1, and others. Clovinol's polyphenols activate Nrf2 — explaining the comprehensive antioxidant effects from a single intervention.

2

Glutathione synthesis enhancement

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. Clovinol increases plasma glutathione by 6-fold vs synthetic GSH supplementation — indicating endogenous synthesis activation rather than just exogenous supplementation. Endogenous synthesis activation is more physiologically appropriate and produces longer-lasting effects vs single-dose synthetic glutathione.

3

Insulin sensitivity enhancement

Clovinol's effects on HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index), HbA1c, and post-prandial glucose indicate insulin sensitivity enhancement. Mechanism likely involves antioxidant protection of insulin signaling pathways (which are damaged by oxidative stress) plus polyphenol effects on glucose transporters and metabolism. Addresses the core driver of metabolic syndrome.

4

Acetaldehyde metabolism support

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is the enzyme that converts toxic acetaldehyde to harmless acetate. Clovinol's 3× reduction in acetaldehyde levels likely involves ALDH support and antioxidant protection. Glutathione is a cofactor for some acetaldehyde detoxification pathways — Clovinol's glutathione enhancement may underlie the alcohol detoxification effects.

5

Anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation

Clovinol reduces inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α) and improves neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. The mechanism may involve NF-κB pathway inhibition (the master inflammatory regulator) — common to many polyphenolic compounds. Anti-inflammatory effects complement metabolic and antioxidant mechanisms in addressing metabolic syndrome holistically.

Clinical trials

1
Clovinol vs Synthetic Glutathione — 84-Day Metabolic Syndrome RCT

Randomized double-blinded active-controlled comparative clinical trial evaluating Clovinol (250 mg/day) vs synthetic glutathione (s-GSH) (250 mg/day) for 84 days in adults with metabolic syndrome. Comprehensive metabolic, antioxidant, and inflammatory outcomes. Published in Journal of Functional Foods.

70 healthy adults characterized with metabolic syndrome (MetS). 84-day intervention.

Clovinol enhanced plasma GSH by 6-fold compared to s-GSH. Statistically significant enhancement in Nrf2, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH/GSSG ratio. Improved FBS, PPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and insulin levels (insulin resistance modulation). Significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL; increased HDL. s-GSH showed no significant effect on glucose or lipid metabolism. Reduced neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, IL-1β, and TNF-α.

2
Clovinol Alcohol/Binge Drinking RCT

Randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study in 16 male social drinkers. Alcohol dosage: 1 g/kg body weight/day. Clovinol or placebo 250 mg × 1/day. Outcomes: acetaldehyde levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers. Published in Journal of Medicinal Food.

16 male social drinkers. Crossover design with 1 g/kg body weight/day alcohol dosing.

Clovinol at 250 mg/day reduced acetaldehyde levels by 3× vs placebo. Acetaldehyde is the major cytotoxic alcohol metabolite responsible for liver injury, inflammation, and hangover. Clovinol supplementation downregulated alcohol-induced oxidative stress, supporting hepatoprotective applications. Established Clovinol as safe and effective for alcohol-induced toxicity and reducing hangovers.

3
Clovinol Safety Assessment — Subchronic & Mutagenicity

Comprehensive preclinical safety assessment of Clovinol — oral acute (5 g/kg body weight for 14 days) and subchronic (0.25, 0.5, 1 g/kg body weight for 90 days) toxicity studies in Wistar rats plus mutagenicity studies using Salmonella typhimurium strains (Ames test). Published 2017 (PMID 28959566).

Not applicable — Wistar rats and Salmonella typhimurium strains for safety assessment.

Clovinol is safe in rats with NOAEL of 1 g/kg body weight per day. No toxicologically significant changes in clinical/behavioral parameters; terminal necropsy revealed no treatment-related histopathology changes. No genotoxicity on TA-98, TA-100, TA-102 strains. Rather, exhibited significant anti-mutagenic potential against sodium azide, NPD, tobacco, and 2-acetamidoflourene mutagens. Supports human consumption safety.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Excellent safety profile — NOAEL 1 g/kg body weight per day in 90-day rat toxicity studies.
Mild GI effects rare.
Clove has long traditional dietary and medicinal use globally — supports broad safety profile.
Anti-mutagenic (rather than mutagenic) in Ames testing — additional safety signal.
Long-term safety supported by 7+ published clinical and preclinical studies.
Vegan, non-GMO, allergen-free, Halal/Kosher certified.
Pregnancy and lactation: dietary clove is generally safe; supplemental concentrations less well-characterized — consult clinician.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants (warfarin) — clove eugenol may have mild antiplatelet effects; monitor INR.
Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — additive glucose-lowering effect; monitor blood glucose.
Statins and cholesterol medications — possible additive lipid-lowering effect; generally minimal concern.
Antihypertensive medications — possible additive effects; monitor BP.
Anesthetics — clove has mild numbing properties; relevant for dental procedures and surgery (discontinue before).
Alcohol — Clovinol may protect against alcohol-induced toxicity per clinical research; not an endorsement of heavy drinking.
Pregnancy and lactation: consult clinician for supplemental doses.

Frequently asked questions about Clovinol® (Clove Bud Polyphenol for Metabolic Health — Akay Bioactives)

What is Clovinol?

Clovinol® is Akay Bioactives' standardized clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) polyphenol extract, produced using hydroethanolic extraction methodology delivering a water-soluble powder rich in polyphenols. Sourced from selected pesticide-free Indonesian farms.

What is Clovinol used for?

Clovinol is researched primarily for Metabolic Health, Liver Health, and Antioxidant. In a comparative study in adults with metabolic syndrome (Clovinol vs synthetic glutathione at 250 mg/day), Clovinol enhanced plasma GSH by 6-fold compared to synthetic GSH, with significant enhancement in Nrf2, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH…

What is the recommended dosage of Clovinol?

The clinically studied dose is 250 mg/day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Clovinol safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Clovinol is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Excellent safety profile — NOAEL 1 g/kg body weight per day in 90-day rat toxicity studies. Mild GI effects rare. It may also interact with some medications. Clovinol is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Clovinol interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants (warfarin) — clove eugenol may have mild antiplatelet effects; monitor INR. Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — additive glucose-lowering effect; monitor blood glucose. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Clovinol?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Clovinol as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Mammen RR, Natinga Mulakal J, Mohanan R, Maliakel B, Illathu Madhavamenon K Clove Bud Polyphenols Alleviate Alterations in Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Markers Associated with Binge Drinking: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study J Med Food. 2018;21(11):1188-1196. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4177.PubMedUsed to support: Brand-relevant RCT: the Clovinol clove-bud polyphenol extract (Akay) reduced binge-drinking-associated inflammation and oxidative-stress markers versus placebo, supporting the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory claim. Honesty: small Akay-funded crossover trial in a binge-drinking model, biomarker-focused rather than a glycemic/metabolic endpoint.
  2. NM J, RM R, G G, Maliakel B, D S, IM K Beyond the flavour: a de-flavoured polyphenol rich extract of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum L) as a novel dietary antioxidant ingredient Food Funct. 2015;6(10):3373-82. doi: 10.1039/c5fo00682a.PubMedUsed to support: Supports the antioxidant claim and characterizes the Clovinol-type de-flavoured clove-bud polyphenol extract, including antioxidant activity and bioavailability of clove polyphenols. Honesty: largely characterization/mechanistic and Akay-affiliated; not a disease-endpoint clinical trial.
  3. Issac A, Gopakumar G, Kuttan R, Maliakel B, Krishnakumar IM Safety and anti-ulcerogenic activity of a novel polyphenol-rich extract of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum L) Food Funct. 2015;6(3):842-52. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00711e.PubMedUsed to support: Supports safety and a gastroprotective/antioxidant profile of the same clove-bud polyphenol extract underlying Clovinol. Honesty: preclinical (animal) safety/efficacy study from the Akay group, not a human metabolic trial; clove-polyphenol clinical literature is thin.