Red Clover

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Common Name:  Wild Clover
Botanical Name:  Trifolium pratense
 
See Also:  Red Clover Interactions
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Introduction to Red Clover
 
Red Clover grows in Europe and North America.  The flowering tops are used in botanical medicine.  Another plant, white clover, grows in similar areas.  Both have white arrow-shaped patters on their leaves.
 
Benefits of Red Clover
 
Red Clover has benefited people with the following health concerns.  For more information, click on an individual health concern.
 
Supplement Effectiveness
Health Concerns
Preliminary studies suggest a minimal to moderate benefit
 
Menopause
Osteoporosis
 
Little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit
 
Cough
Eczema
 
 
Long-Established Uses of Red Clover
 
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western folk medicine used this plant as a diuretic, a cough expectorant (an agent that promotes discharge of mucus from the respiratory passages), and an alterative.1 Alterative plants were considered beneficial for chronic conditions, particularly those afflicting the skin.
 
How Does Red Clover Work?

Red clover is known as an alterative agent—in other words, one that produces gradual beneficial changes in the body, usually by improving nutrition; also known as a “blood cleanser.” It is a traditional remedy for psoriasis and eczema. However, the mechanism of action and constituents responsible for red clover’s purported benefit in skin conditions are unknown.

Modern research has revealed that red clover also contains high amounts of isoflavones, such as genistein, which have weak estrogen-like properties.2 Modern research has focused on a red clover extract high in isoflavones as a possible treatment for symptoms associated with menopause and cardiovascular health in menopausal women. In a double-blind study, administration of 80 mg of isoflavones per day from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks.3 Another double-blind trial found that red clover improved cardiovascular function in menopausal women.4 Various laboratory studies and one case report of a man with prostate cancer suggest red clover isoflavones may help prevent cancer.5 6 In another case study, use of red clover by a man with prostate cancer led to noticeable anticancer effects in his prostate after the cancer was surgically removed. Although the isoflavones in red clover may help prevent certain forms of cancer (for example, breast and prostate), further studies are needed before red clover is recommended for cancer patients.
 
How Much Red Clover is Typically Taken?
 
Traditionally, red clover is taken as a tea, by adding 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water to 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 grams) of dried flowers and steeping, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes.7 Three cups (750 ml) can be drunk each day. Red clover can also be used in capsule or tablet form, equivalent to 2 to 4 grams of the dried flowers. Also, 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon (2 to 4 ml) of tincture three times per day may be taken. Standardized extracts providing 40 mg isoflavones per day are available as well.8
 
What are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Red Clover?
 
Nonfermented red clover is relatively safe. However, fermented red clover may cause bleeding and should be avoided. Red clover supplements should be avoided by pregnant  or breast-feeding women and their safety has not been established in young children and infants.
 
Certain medicines may interact with Red Clover.  Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
 
References

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 177–8.

2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 177–8.

3. van de Weijer PHM, Barentsen R. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil®) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. Maturitas 2002;42:187–93.

4. Nestel PJ, Pomeroy S, Kay S, et al. Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999;84:895–8.

5. Yanagihara K, Toge T, Numoto M, et al. Antiproliferative effects of isoflavones on human cancer cell lines established from the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer Res 1993;53:5815–21.

6. Stephens FO. Phytoestrogens and prostate cancer. Possible preventive role. Med J Australia 1997;167:138–40.

7. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 76–7.

8. Nestel PJ, Pomeroy S, Kay S, et al. Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999;84:895–8.
 
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