The major active principle of Clove responsible for analgesic action is
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Each aromatic drug has a main chemical (active principle) responsible for its effect. Clove is famous in dentistry for relieving toothache, so you need to know which compound gives that pain-relieving action.
Step 1: What is Clove? Clove consists of the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum. It has been used for centuries as a dental analgesic and antiseptic.
Step 2: Identify the active principle of Clove. The essential oil of Clove contains 70-90% eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol). Eugenol acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and blocking sodium channels, which accounts for its analgesic and local anaesthetic effects.
Step 3: Why are the other options wrong? Menthol is the active principle of Peppermint (Mentha piperita), not Clove. Gingerol is the pungent compound in Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Thymol is found in Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Ajwain.
Step 4: Clinical use. Clove oil (eugenol) is used in dentistry to relieve toothache and as a temporary filling material (zinc oxide eugenol cement).
Step 5: Conclude. Eugenol is the major active constituent of Clove responsible for its analgesic action.