Clove Supplements May Interact With Some Medicines

Cloves are used in more than food and drinks, with dietary supplements containing clove extract, powder or oil also attracting interest. But concentrated products can carry risks, particularly for people taking medication.

One potential concern is bleeding. Compounds in clove oil may affect how blood platelets function, raising concerns about combining concentrated clove products with medicines that prevent blood clots. Evidence on the extent of this interaction in people remains limited.

Clove supplements may also affect blood sugar, potentially adding to the effects of diabetes medicines. The risk can vary with the product and dose, and supplements should not be treated as a substitute for prescribed treatment.

Using cloves as a seasoning is not the same as taking a concentrated supplement. People on medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using clove products, especially if they take blood-thinning or blood-sugar-lowering medicines, and should not stop prescribed drugs on their own.