Scientific Name/Common Name: Trifolium pretense / Red Clover
Part(s) Used: Herb and blossom
Constituents/Active Ingredients: Isoflavones including genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin-A; flavonoids (pectolinarin, kaempferol); volatile oil; clovamides; coumarins (coumestrol, medicogol, coumarin), resins, minerals, vitamins.
Overview: Red clover is a common herb native to Europe, West Asia, and parts of Africa but now naturalized around the world. It is highly valued for its ability to fix nitrogen and increases soil fertility. In herbal medicine it has been used traditionally for skin afflictions like eczema and psoriasis. It is considered an alterative herb that supports cleansing. It also has expectorant and antispasmodic properties making it useful in cough and bronchitis remedies. Its isoflavone content (phytoestrogens) has been used in standardized extracts in order to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and, along with calcium and vitamin D, to attenuate bone loss in menopausal women.
Traditional Use/Benefits/Body Systems: For skin afflictions, cleansing, as an expectorant for cough and bronchitis, to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Clinical Studies/Scientific Research/References: Atkinson C, Compston JE, Day NE, Dowsett M, Bingham SA. The effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 2004;79:326-33. Hidalgo LA, Chedraui PA, Morocho N, Ross S, San Miguel G. The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gynecological Endocrinology 2005;21:257-64. Hoffmann D. 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester (VT): Healing Arts Press.
Disclaimer: This information in our Herbal Encyclopedia is intended only as a general reference for educational purposes. It is not a replacement for medical advice. This content does not provide dosage information, cautions/contraindications, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Please consult any relevant product labels for detailed information on use and with a medical practitioner for individual health advice.
