Red clover herb is a native plant of Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa. The flower head is the part of the plant used in herbal remedies. Scientists have identified estrogen-like substances called isoflavones and anticoagulant chemicals called coumarins in red clover herb. Red Clover is found in many herbal formulas for menopause. Although the benefits of red clover herb are controversial, recent studies do point to potential benefit from the use of this herb for menopausal issues.
Red clover benefit research
The benefit of red clover for reducing
severity of hot flashes is hotly debated in the scientific community with some
studies showing benefits whereas others have not shown this herb to be effective.
Hot flashes
Avicenna J Phytomed. 2015. Effects of red clover on hot flash and circulating
hormone concentrations in menopausal women: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. To critically evaluate the effect of red clover on hot flash,
endometrial thickness, and hormones status in postmenopausal and peri- and
post-menopausal women. Red clover had a positive effect of alleviating hot flash
in menopausal women. Our data, however, suggested very slight changes in FSH, LH,
testosterone, and Sex hormone-binding globulin SHBG and significant effect in
estrogen status by red clover consumption. However, the interpretation of
results of the current study is limited due to methodological flaws of the
included studies, menopause status, and large heterogeneity among them.
To investigate the benefit of a red clover isoflavone
dietary supplement Promensil versus placebo on the change in hot flush
frequency in postmenopausal women, a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial
was done at Vrije University Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Women with more
than 12 months without periods and experiencing more than five flushes per day were
enrolled. All received placebo tablets for 4 weeks and were subsequently randomized to
either placebo or 80 mg isoflavones from red clover for a further 12 weeks. Improvement was measured by
the decrease in number of hot flushes per day. During the first 4 weeks of placebo the
frequency of hot flushes decreased by 16%. During the subsequent double blind phase, a
further, statistically significant decrease of 44% was seen in the red clover isoflavone group,
whereas no further reduction occurred within the placebo group.
Dr. Sahelian says: In this study, treatment with 80 mg
red clover isoflavones per day
resulted in a significant reduction in hot flushes from baseline. Since long-term hormone
replacement with Premarin and synthetic progestins now appears to increase the risk for
cancer, heart disease and blood clots, more women are searching for herbal alternatives to
treating menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms. The research with red clover is
still early and not all studies have shown that it reduces hot flashes in any
significant way, but it does seem to have a mild effect.
The isoflavone irilone contributes to the estrogenic potential of dietary supplements containing red clover. Arch Toxicol. 2013.
Clin Exp Obstetrics Gynecology. 2013. Nonhormonal management of postmenopausal women: effects of a red clover based isoflavones supplementation on climacteric syndrome and cardiovascular risk serum profile. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate a red clover based isoflavones supplementation in the treatment of climacteric syndrome and its effects on cardiovascular risk serum profile. The study included 150 healthy postmenopausal women that were randomly assigned to receive phytoestrogens tablets, amounting in a total daily intake of 60 mg red clover isoflavones plus 19 mg soy isoflavones, or placebo. The authors evaluated teh following: daily number of hot flushes and Kupperman Index at baseline and after one and three months; serum total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen, and antithrombin III (ATIII) at baseline and after three and six months. One hundred twenty-eight patients completed the study: 67 in the active group and 61 in the placebo group. The treatment led to a progressive significant reduction of the number of hot flushes in the active group compared to placebo already after one month, while Kupperman Index was statistically reduced after three months. No significant variation in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, PT, PTT, fibrinogen, and ATIII were found. The present findings suggest that a red clover based isoflavones supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women is promptly effective on climacteric syndrome, improves neurovegetative symptoms, safe on cardiovascular risk serum profile, and does not modify lipids and coagulation.
Anxiety and depression
A study investigated the effects of isoflavones from red clover extracts on
anxiety and depressive symptoms. Researchers recruited postmenopausal women aged
40 and over. The women were randomly administered 80 mg twice daily of red
clover isoflavones or a placebo for 90 days. Then the medication was crossed
over and taken for another 90 days. Women in the red clover extract group
experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms while the
women in the placebo group experienced only minimal reductions. Red clover
isoflavones were effective in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Lipovac
M, Chedraui P, Gruenhut C, et al. Improvement of postmenopausal depressive and
anxiety symptoms after treatment with isoflavones derived from red clover
extracts. Maturitas 2010;
Benefit of red clover
herb for blood pressure and bone density
Red clover may also benefit bone density and reduce blood pressure.
One study shows red clover has an effect on lowering cholesterol although not
all studies have been consistent in this regard. Red clover has been shown in lab studies to reduce the risk for
prostate cancer.
Red clover and cholesterol,
blood lipids
Effect of Trifolium pratense-derived isoflavones on the lipid profile of
postmenopausal women with increased body mass index.
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2008.
We determined the effect of red clover derived isoflavone supplementation on the
lipid profile of postmenopausal women with increased body mass index (BMI).
Sixty postmenopausal women aged 40 years and older, HT non-users, were randomly assigned
to one of two groups: either two capsules of 80 mg red clover isoflavones daily
for a 90-day period or placebo. After a 7-day washout period, medication was
crossed-over for another 90 days. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides,
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
and lipoprotein A (LpA) levels were assessed at baseline, 90 and 180 days. Women
were divided into two groups: those with increased BMI (>or=25 kg/m(2)) and
those with BMI < 25 kg/m(2). Red clover isoflavone supplementation had a
positive effect on the lipid profile of women with increased BMI, evidenced by a
significant decrease in TC, LDL-C and LpA levels. Isoflavones derived from red
clover are an attractive alternative therapeutic option for high-risk
populations such as postmenopausal women with increased BMI and abnormal lipid
profile.
Availability
You can find red clover as a tea, red clover whole herb, and red clover
extract. Red clover is also found combined with black cohosh and other herbs in
many herbal formulas for menopause. Herbal ingredient suppliers sell various red
clover extract concentrations including red clover 2.5 percent isoflavones and 8
percent isoflavones; Extract 8% /1% Isoflavone / Biochanin
A and B.
Composition
Red clover supplements are used to treat symptoms of menopause because of their
high content of the mildly estrogenic isoflavones which are daidzein, genistein,
formononetin, and biochanin A.
Mechanism
of action, how it works
Red clover extract acts on the mu-opiate receptor and the delta-opiate receptor.
Therefore, red clover extracts act at the level of opiate receptors. Given the
essential role of the opioid system in regulating temperature, mood, and
hormonal levels and actions, this may explain in part the beneficial effect of
red clover in reducing menopausal symptoms. There are other ways that red clover
extracts act in the human body and further research will offer more
explanations.
Research studies
Molecules. January 2014. Trifolium pratense as a Potential Natural
Antioxidant.
The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and
vaginal cytology in menopausal women: A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study.
Gynecology Endocrinol. 2005.
Foundation for Health and Well Being in the Climacteric 'FUCLIM', Guayaquil,
Ecuador.
The unexpected results of the Women's Health Initiative study have decreased
the use of conventional hormone therapy, changing physicians' and patients'
attitudes towards hormone therapy and increasing their interest in alternative
options. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of isoflavones contained
in red clover extracts (Trifolium pratense) on menopausal symptoms, lipids and
vaginal cytology in menopausal women. Sixty postmenopausal women aged >40
years, non-users of hormone therapy, with Kupperman index score 15, were
double-blindly randomized to receive either a commercially available red clover
isoflavone supplement (80 mg/day) or placebo for 90 days. Subsequently, after a
7-day washout period, subjects switched to receive the opposite treatment for a
further 90 days. Results. There was no significant effect on body mass index,
weight or blood pressure after either treatment phase. Red clover isoflavone
supplementation significantly decreased the rate of menopausal symptoms and had
a positive effect on vaginal cytology as expressed by improvement in
karyopyknotic cornification and basal cell maturation indices. Mean total
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels also
decreased; however, only the latter was significantly lower compared with
placebo. Compared with placebo, red clover isoflavone
supplementation in postmenopausal women significantly decreased menopausal
symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology and triglyceride levels.
Comparison of the in vitro estrogenic activities of compounds from
hops (Humulus
lupulus) and red clover (Trifolium pratense).
J Agric Food Chem. 2005.
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, UIC/NIH Center for
Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, College of Pharmacy, University of
Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
Because the prevailing form of hormone replacement therapy is associated with
the development of cancer in breast and endometrial tissues, alternatives are
needed for the management of menopausal symptoms. Formulations of Trifolium
pratense L. (red clover) are being used to alleviate menopause-associated hot
flashes but have shown mixed results in clinical trials. The strobiles of
Humulus lupulusL. (hops) have been reported to contain the prenylflavanone,
8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), as the most estrogenic constituent. Extracts of hops
and red clover and their individual constituents including 8-PN,
6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN), isoxanthohumol (IX), and xanthohumol (XN) from hops
and daidzein, formononetin, biochanin A, and genistein from red clover were
compared using a variety of in vitro estrogenic assays. On the basis of these
data, hops and red clover could be attractive for the development as herbal
dietary supplements to alleviate menopause-associated symptoms.
Phytoestrogens derived from red clover: An alternative to estrogen replacement
therapy?
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2005.
The benefits of plant extracts from soy and red clover as alternatives to
conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been debated in the past.
Here, an attempt has been made to summarize the biochemical and pharmacological
data in the light of clinical aspects. Red clover and soy extracts contain
isoflavones, which have a high affinity to estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha),
estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen
receptor (AR). The higher affinity to ERbeta compared to ERalpha has been used
as an explanation why red clover extracts function as food additives to treat
menopausal disorders and may reduce risk of breast cancer. Biochemical analysis
shows that these representatives of phytoestrogens have multiple actions beside
selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-activity. They act as selective
estrogen enzyme modulators (SEEMs), have antioxidant activity and interact with
transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. Furthermore, it is indicated that they
have protective effects on osteoporosis and the cardiovascular system. Currently
40-50mg of isoflavones (biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin and genistein) are
recommended as daily dose. This recommendation is based on the daily intake of
phytoestrogens in a traditional Japanese diet.
Modest protective effects of isoflavones from a red clover -derived dietary
supplement on cardiovascular disease risk factors in perimenopausal women.
J Nutr. 2004.
Data suggest that soy protein, a source of isoflavones, may have favorable
effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Women, ages 49-65 y, were
randomized into this double blind, placebo-controlled trial of 43 mg red
clover-derived isoflavones/d. A total of 177 women completed the trial. There
were no differences between treatments for changes from baseline to 12 mo in
total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, systolic and
diastolic blood pressures, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type
1 (PAI-1). Interactions between treatment and menopausal status were significant
for changes in triglycerides and PAI-1, and changes were significant among
perimenopausal women. Although there were potentially beneficial changes in
triglycerides and PAI-1 among perimenopausal women consuming red clover
isoflavones, this study suggests that isoflavones alone are not responsible for
the well-documented effects of soy protein on blood lipids.
Effect of red clover isoflavones on cox-2 activity in
murine and human monocyte/macrophage cells.
Nutr Cancer. 2004.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with a
reduction in the incidence of a range of cancers, the mechanism of which is
thought to be cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Because long-term ingestion of
foods rich in isoflavones, such as legumes (beans, peas, lentils) has been
associated with reduced cancer incidence, it was considered useful to examine
the COX-inhibitory activities of individual isoflavones. Red clover dietary
supplements also contain varying ratios of the 4 isoflavones commonly found in
legume-based diets, namely, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin.
Thus, it is possible that the lower rates of some cancers in populations with a
high intake of dietary isoflavones is linked to their inhibition of COX
activity.
The effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones
from red clover on cognitive function in postmenopausal women.
Climacteric. 2004.
To examine the effects of dietary isoflavone supplementation with an
extract from red clover on cognitive function in postmenopausal women.
Thirty postmenopausal women aged greater than 60 years received either two
tablets of an extract of aglycone isoflavones from red clover (each containing
formononetin 25 mg, biochanin 2.5 mg and less than 1 mg of daidzein and
genistein) for 6 months in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Cognitive
function tests were performed at baseline and at the end of isoflavone or
placebo therapy. Isoflavone supplementation was associated with an
apparent improvement in block design (a test of visual-spatial intelligence)
compared to placebo (isoflavone +12%, placebo -3%), no improvement in
verbal memory compared to an improvement on placebo (isoflavone +1%, placebo
+29%) and a deterioration in digit recall compared to placebo (isoflavone
-6%, placebo +12%). However, these findings were not statistically
significant when corrections were made for potential chance findings due to
multiple comparisons. Isoflavone supplementation does not appear to
have major short-term effects on cognitive function in postmenopausal women.
However, further clinical trials are required to determine whether small effects
or long-term effects on cognitive function occur during isoflavone
supplementation.
The effects of red clover isoflavones on bone density in women: a
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2004.
Isoflavone phytoestrogen therapy has been proposed as a natural
alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT has a beneficial effect on
bone, but few trials in humans have investigated the effects of isoflavones on
bone. The objective of the study was to determine the effect on bone
density of a red clover-derived isoflavone supplement that provided a daily dose
of 26 mg biochanin A, 16 mg formononetin, 1 mg genistein, and 0.5 mg daidzein
for 1 y. Effects on biochemical markers of bone turnover and body composition
were also studied. Women aged 49-65 y were enrolled in a
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 177 completed the trial.
Bone density, body composition, bone turnover markers, and diet were measured at
baseline and after 12 mo. Loss of lumbar spine bone mineral content and
bone mineral density was significantly lower in the women taking the red clover isoflavone supplement than in those taking the
placebo. There were no significant treatment effects on hip bone mineral content
or bone mineral density, markers of bone resorption, or body composition, but
bone formation markers were significantly increased in the red clover group compared with placebo in postmenopausal
women. These data
suggest that, through attenuation of bone loss, red clover isoflavones have a potentially
protective effect on the lumbar spine in women.
Red clover derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: a
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Atkinson C, Warren RM, Sala E et al. Breast Cancer Res.
2004.
Isoflavones are hypothesized to
protect against breast cancer, but it is not clear whether they act as
estrogens or anti-estrogens in breast tissue. Our aim was to determine the
effects of taking a red clover derived isoflavone supplement daily for 1 year on
mammographic breast density. Effects on estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone
(FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity and
menopausal symptoms were also assessed. A total of 205 women (age range
49-65 years) with Wolfe P2 or DY mammographic breast patterns were randomly
assigned to receive either a red clover derived isoflavone tablet (26 mg
biochanin A, 16 mg formononetin, 1 mg genistein and 0.5 mg daidzein) or placebo. In contrast to studies showing that
conventional hormone replacement therapies increase mammographic breast density,
the red clover isoflavone supplement did not increase mammographic breast density in this
population of women. Furthermore, there were no effects on estradiol,
gonadotrophins, lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity, or menopausal symptoms.
Red Clover Trifolium pratense Monograph: A Clinical
Decision Support Tool.
J Herb Pharmcotherapy. 2003.
Red clover, a legume resembling soy is used by man as a phytoestrogen. Other
uses include asthma, pertussis, cancer and gout. The authors systematically
review red clover in terms of pharmacology, efficacy, safety, side effects,
standardization, dosing, toxicology as well as other parameters.
Effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on
ambulatory blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2
diabetes.
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. George Hospital UNSW, Kogarah, NSW,
Australia.
The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary
supplementation with isoflavones from red clover affected ambulatory blood
pressure and forearm vascular endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2
diabetic women. Sixteen postmenopausal type 2 diabetics treated with
diet or oral hypoglycaemic therapy completed a randomized double-blind crossover
trial of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover (approximately
50 mg/day) for 4 weeks compared to placebo. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood
pressure recordings and forearm vascular responses to acetylcholine,
nitroprusside and L-nitromonomethylarginine (L-NMMA) were measured at the end of
each treatment period. Mean daytime systolic and diastolic blood
pressures were significantly lower during isoflavone therapy compared to placebo. The increase in
forearm vascular resistance following L-NMMA was significantly greater during
isoflavone supplementation, suggesting an improvement in basal endothelial function.
Plasma lipoproteins, glycated haemoglobin and forearm vascular responses to
acetylcholine and nitroprusside did not differ significantly between isoflavone
and placebo therapy. Isoflavone supplementation from red clover may
favorably influence blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal
type 2 diabetic women. Red clover herb Red
clover blossom.
Red
Clover Products
Natrol, Inc. has licensed the U.S. rights to the Promensil and Trinovin brands
from Novogen Limited, an Australian-based biotechnology company.
The Promensil and Trinovin brands are dietary supplements based on red clover
isoflavones that are designed to meet specific health needs of aging adults.
Christopher Naughton, CEO of Novogen, said, "Novogen is extremely pleased to
have secured Natrol as its exclusive licensee for Promensil and Trinovin in the
U.S. Natrol brings marketing expertise and the product critical mass that will
enable the premium brands Promensil and Trinovin to be elevated to their
potential in the U.S. marketplace." Promensil is a dietary supplement tested for
menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweatsh. Promensil
currently is distributed through mass and super center, chain drug and grocery
stores, the health food channel, and direct sale over the Internet. Promensil is
sold globally in 12 countries, including the U.S. Trinovin, which was first sold
in the U.S. in 1999, helps maintain prostate and urinary health. Trinovin
currently is distributed through the health food channel and direct sale over
the Internet.
Red
Clover Tea
Several companies make red clover tea. These include Alvita red clover tea,
Botanic Choice red clover tea, Celebration Herbals red clover tea , and
TerraVita red clover tea and blossom. If you purchase tea, it is preferable to
have each tea bag individually sealed to prevent evaporation of volatile oils
and to prevent oxidation of the herb. The benefit of red clover tea is difficult
to compare to red clover extract since it is difficult to know how much of the
isoflavones from the red clover tea bag seep into the hot water.
Traditional use
Red clover has been used traditionally as a medicinal
agent by Asian, European, and Native American cultures as an expectorant in
asthma, and as an alterative (blood purifier) to treat psoriasis, eczema, and
other chronic skin conditions.
Questions
Red Clover extract does seem to be helping my hot flashes go away.
However within 3-4 hours of taking the first red clover dose of the day,
I have a bad taste in my mouth and my food doesn't taste right. If I take
it at dinner also the same is true. The effect is gone by breakfast the
next day and breakfast tastes normal. Then by mid morning I have the bad
taste back. I didn't see this listed as a red clover side effect anywhere.
This is the first time anyone has mentioned to us
about this potential red clover side effect.
Testimonial
I Just been reading the paper you wrote on Red Clover and feel from your
studies its safe, I used it for 8months last year with 100% success for hot
flashes before I used it were 10 or more daily and 4 or 5 night sweats, after 3
weeks on red clover I was cured but have been told I cant stay on it because of
not enough testing done past 12 months. Could you please tell me your opinion on
1 tablet a day 80mg isoflavone for longer term, I used the Promensil brand but
have seen other . For 2 months I am off it but in hot flash night sweat hell and
going to buy more red clover today as I want to use natural herbs not HRT
patches.
A. In my opinion red clover and other herbs are safer than estrogen
and hormones, although for most people they do not work as well.
Buy Red Clover stem, leaf, flower, Nature's Way, 100 Capsules, 400 mg each pill
Certified Organically Grown Red Clover Herb
In Europe, red clover herb (Trifolium pratense) is widely cultivated and used as a
salad herb and as a tonic. The globular heads of reddish-purple flowers have
long been prized by herbalists. This red clover herb supplement contains only full clover
blossoms and their accompanying leaves.
Buy Red Clover Supplement
Supplement Facts
Amount Per capsule
Red Clover herb 400 mg
(stem, leaf, flower)
As an addition to the daily diet, take 1 or 2 red clover capsules 1
to 3 times daily.