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	Red Clover
	Red clover is a multi-stemmed perennial that thrives in humid, grassy meadows throughout the world. It is much larger than its familiar relative, white clover, which is the low-growing, and vigorously spreading lawn weed. Both, however, exhibit a similar "trifolium" (three leaf) pattern and white arrowhead-shaped leaf markings. It is the compact, pink flower tops of the red clover plant that are dried and used medicinally - as they have been for centuries. The expectorant and anti-spasmodic properties of red clover justify its use for repiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. It has also been used externally for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The concentrated isoflavones within red clover have been the subject of many studies, and research suggests benefits for menopausal symptoms as well as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.

	Browse Sections:
	Summary Other Names Description Traditional Internal Uses Traditional Topical Uses Indications Actions Constituents / Nutrients		Scientific Research / Actions Research Precautions / Contraindications Interaction with Medications Possible Side Effects Dosage Preparation References

	Common Name
	Red Clover
	Botanical Latin Name / Classification
	Trifolium pratense
	Parts Used
	Flowers (blossoms, tops)
	Other Names
	Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trefoil, Honey Stalks (so called in Shakespearean times because it was desired by bees). Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Description
	Red clover is a biennial or perennial, multi-stemmed plant widespread throughout the world in most humid, grassy meadows. The plant may reach a height of 2 feet with reddish stems and a short rootstock. The clusters of familiar oval-shaped, lobed leaves emerge as a tri-leaf configuration on the end of the stems. Each leaflet is marked with a small white crescent-shaped or arrow-shaped design on the upper surface. These three-lobed leaves of red clover were associated with the Holy Trinity by medieval Christians. Red clover blooms with small, attractive pink flower heads which are cultivated, dried and used medicinally. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Traditional Internal Uses
	Red Clover is one of the world's oldest agricultural crops, cultivated since prehistoric times, and has a long history as a religious and magical symbol. Although red clover is native to Europe, it wasn't until Native Americans had discovered its medicinal properties that it was recognized as a medicine in Europe. Red clover has been used in Chinese medicine and Western folk medicine for its diuretic and expectorant properties. It has been associated with conditions of the respiratory tract such as bronchitis, asthma, and stubborn, dry coughing spells. Due to its well-documented anti-spasmodic properties, red clover may be paricularly beneficial for those with the whooping cough. As an alterative, or detoxifying agent, red clover has been considered beneficial for chronic skin conditions. Red clover may be safely used for children with skin problems and in any case of childhood eczema. It may be of particular benefit for children with eczema/asthma syndrome, and it is also of value in other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Red clover is also thought to have blood purifying properties, as well as the ability to stimulate urine, mucous, and bile production. Concentrated isoflavones have shown promise in the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, cardiovascular health, and bone loss due to osteoprosis. According to the "Doctrine of Signatures" (the ideal popularized in the 17th century that God has "marked" every natural creation with a sign of its usefulness), red clover's crescent-shaped leaf markings were an indication that it could benefit those with cataracts. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Traditional Topical Uses
	The fresh, crushed flowers of red clover can be applied directly to the skin to relieve the pain and itching associated with insect bites and stings. A tincture of red clover in water has been used effectively as an eyewash for eye irritations, allergies, and conjunctivitis. An infusion of the flowers can be applied as a douche to relieve vaginal itching. Poultices of red clover have been used locoally for skin ulcerations and cancer growths. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Indications
	Primary Indications: Menopause, Cardiovascular Disorders, Osteoporosis, Cancer / Cancer Prevention, Hypercholesterolemia, Endocrine Disorders Secondary Indications: Bronchitis, Asthma, Whooping Cough, Respiratory Problems, Skin Disorders, Eczema (Dermatitis), Psoriasis, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) Other Indications: Cataracts, Conjunctivitis / Blepharitis, Food Allergies / Sensitivities, Gout, Immunity / Immune Disorders, Insect Bites and Bee Stings, Liver Disorders, Toxicity / Toxemia, Ulcers, Vaginal Infection / Discharge (Vaginitis) Primary Indications: Hot Flashes Secondary Indications: Coughing, Skin Itch Other Indications: Fever Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Actions
	Alterative (Restorative), Anti-Asthmatic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer / Antitumor, Antispasmodic, Dermatological Agent, Detoxifying, Diuretic, Estrogenic, Expectorant, Relaxant, Sedative, Depurative Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Constituents / Nutrients
	*Carbohydrates:* Arabinose, glucose, glucuronic acid, rhamnose, xylose (following hydrolysis of saponin glycosides); polysaccharide (a galactoglucomannan). *Coumarins:* Coumarin, medicagol. *Isoflavonoids:* Biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, pratensin, trifoside, calycosine galactoside(1) and pectolinarin. *Flavonoids:* Isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin, and their glycosides.(2) *Saponins:* Soyasapogenols B-F (C-F artefacts) and carbohydrates (see above) yielded by acid hydrolysis.(3) *Other Constituents:* Coumaric acid, phaseolic acid, salicylic acid, trans- and cis-clovamide (L-dopa conjugated with trans- and cis-caffeic acids), resin, volatile oil (containing furfural),(4) fats, vitamins and minerals. Cyanogenetic glycosides have been documented for a related species, Trifolium repens. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions
	In Vitro and Animal Studies Biochanin A, formononetin, and genistein (isoflavones) are known to possess oestrogenic properties.(5) The saponin constituents are reported to lack any haemolytic or fungistatic activity.(3) A possible chemoprotective effect has been documented for biochanin A, which has been reported to inhibit carcinogenic activity in cell culture.(6) Red clover is known as an alterative agent (i.e., 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.7 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.8 Another double-blind trial found that red clover improved cardiovascular function in menopausal women,9 Various laboratory studies and one case report of a man with prostate cancer suggest red clover isoflavones may help prevent cancer.10 11 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 (e.g., breast and prostate), further studies are needed before red clover is recommended for cancer patients. Cardiovascular Health A recent study found that menopausal women taking red clover supplements experienced a significant improvement in arterial compliance (a measure of the strength and resilience of the arterial walls). Arterial compliance diminishes during menopause and may increase a woman's risk for heart disease. Menopause Several studies of a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones suggest that it may significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Osteoporosis Some studies suggest that a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in pre- and perimenopausal women. Cancer Laboratory and animal studies have found that red clover isoflavones may protect against the growth of breast cancer cells. This is surprising because estrogens (and isoflavones have estrogenic properties) have generally been thought to stimulate the growth of breast cancer in women. Until further research has been conducted and more information is available, the use of red clover isoflavones or other red clover products should probably be avoided in women with a history of breast cancer. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Research
	"Red Clover Can Help Hot Flashes" "Red Clover: The Ideal Women's Herb?" "Red Clover: Best Therapy For Treating Enlarged Prostate?" Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Precautions / Contraindications
	In the USA, red clover is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Despite red clover's short-term use as a cough remedy for children, isolated red clover isoflavone products (much more highly concentrated than the whole herb) are not recommended for children, and should be avoided until its safety is established. Red clover supplements should not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Interaction with Medications
	Before taking red clover, consult your health care practitioner if you are on the following medications: Estrogens (Combined) Heparin Ticlopidine Warfarin Be cause of the estrogen-like properties in red clover isoflavones, women with a history of breast cancer should avoid red clover (some studies suggest that synthetic and/or natural estrogens may increase the risk of breast cancer). Red clover isoflavones should be used with caution, if at all, by people receiving hormone therapy (including birth control pills) containing estrogen, progesterone, androgen or any derivatives of these hormones. Because of the increased risk of bleeding associated with red clover, individuals taking blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin or aspirin) or blood-thinning herbs and supplements (such as ginkgo, ginger, garlic, and vitamin E) should avoid red clover. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Possible Side Effects
	Urticarial reactions have been documented. Infertility and growth disorders have been reported in grazing animals. These effects have been attributed to the oestrogenic isoflavone constituents, in particular to formononetin.(5) While non-fermented red clover is considered safe, fermented red clover may cause bleeding and should be avoided. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Dosage
	Dried Flowerhead: 4 g or by infusion three times daily. Dried Extract: Red clover capsules are generally available in strengths that range from 200 to 500 mg. Within herbal blends, quantities of red clover are significantly smaller. Typically, a capsule strength of 350 to 450 mg is recommended to be taken 3 times daily. Liquid Extract: 1.5-3.0 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily. Tincture: 1-2 mL (1 : 10 in 45% alcohol) three times daily. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	Preparation
	A red clover tea can be prepared by adding 1 cup (250 mL) of boiling water to 2-3 teaspoons (10-15 grams) of dried flowers. Allow to steep while covered for 10 to 15 minutes. Three cups may be taken daily. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products
	References
	1. Saxena VK, Jain AK. A new isoflavone glycoside from Trifolium pratense. Fitoterapia 1987; 58: 262-263. 2. Jain AK, Saxena VK. Isolation and characterisation of 3-methoxyquercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside from Trifolium pratense. Natl Acad Sci Lett 9: 379-380. 3. Olesek WA, Jurzysta M. Isolation, chemical characterization and biological activity of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) root saponins. Acta Soc Bot Pol 1986; 55: 247-252. 4. Opdyke DLJ. Furfural. Food Cosmet Toxicol 1978; 16: 759-764. 5. Kelly RW et al. Formononetin content of `Grasslands Pawera' red clover and its oestrogenic activity to sheep. NZ J Exp Agric 1979; 7: 131-134. 6. Cassady JM et al. Use of a mammalian cell culture benzo(a)pyrene metabolism assay for the detection of potential anticarcinogens from natural products: inhibition of metabolism by biochanin A, an isoflavone from Trifolium pratense L. Cancer Res 1988; 48: 6257-6261.(PubMed) 7. 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. 8. van de Weijer PHM, Barentsen R. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensilr) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. Maturitas 2002;42:187-93. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. Stephens FO. Phytoestrogens and prostate cancer. Possible preventive role. Med J Australia 1997;167:138-40. Our thanks to the following information resources: MedicinesComplete.com, American Botanical Council (Herbalgram.org), Healthandage.com, Vitacost.com, and Purplesage.org. Browse Sections \| View Red Clover products