Efficacy of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Infusion as Adjunctive Therapy for Glycemic Control and COVID-19 Complication Mitigation in Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Clinical Study at Ibn Badis University Hospital, Constantine, Algeria (2021-2022)

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus significantly worsens COVID-19 outcomes through glycemic dysregulation and exacerbated systemic inflammation.

Objective: Evaluate Syzygium aromaticum infusion efficacy as adjunctive therapy on fasting glucose (FG), HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical symptoms in diabetic COVID-19 patients at Ibn Badis University Hospital.

Methods: Prospective pre-post pilot study of 100 patients (50 females, 50 males; mean age 58.4±12.3 years; type 2 diabetes: 84%) conducted exclusively at Ibn Badis University Hospital, Constantine (01/01/2021-21/06/2022). From 1681 registered diabetic-COVID cases, intervention group received 10g/day clove infusion (boiled 30 minutes, 3 doses) plus standard care.

Results: Significant improvements: FG (-25.6%; p<0.001), CRP (-41.2%; p<0.001), moderate/severe pneumonia (89.39%→27.27%; Δ=62.12%; p<0.001), anosmia/ageusia (37.88%→12.41%; p<0.001). Females showed superior sensory symptom recovery (85.29%; p=0.042).

Conclusion: Clove infusion demonstrates promising adjunctive benefits warranting randomized controlled trials.