Red Clover Flowering Tops Extract
Also known as: red clover, Trifolium pratense, clover flower extract, Trifolium pratense L.
Overview
Red clover (*Trifolium pratense L.*) is a perennial legume native to Europe and Western Asia, valued for its flowering tops which are rich in isoflavones, flavonoids, and bioactive compounds. It is popularly used as a dietary supplement to alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Significant compounds include biochanin A, formononetin, daidzein, and genistein, all possessing estrogenic properties that mimic estrogen in the body. The research surrounding red clover is moderately developed, presenting mixed results regarding its efficacy across various clinical trials and meta-analyses, primarily attributed to study design inconsistencies and potential bias.
Benefits
Research suggests that red clover offers several benefits, most notably in alleviating menopausal symptoms. A meta-analysis indicates that supplementation significantly reduces hot flashes over a 3-4 month period (mean difference = -1.34, 95% CI = -1.90 to -0.77, p < 0.00001), although effect diminishes after 12 months with a nonsignificant difference of -0.93 (95% CI = -1.95 to 0.1). Some evidence suggests improvements in vaginal dryness, although findings are mixed. Populations such as postmenopausal women with lower estrogen levels may experience more benefits, though individual variability in response remains critical.
How it works
Red clover's mechanism of action is primarily attributed to its isoflavones, which function as phytoestrogens. These compounds bind to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) in the body, alleviating menopausal symptoms by mimicking estrogen's effects. Additionally, red clover possesses antioxidant properties, offering cellular protection from oxidative stress. This interaction with estrogen receptors influences hormonal balance and may benefit cardiovascular health by positively affecting lipoproteins and mitigating atherosclerosis.
Side effects
Red clover is generally considered safe for short-term use, with most studies reporting negligible adverse effects. Common side effects do not occur in more than 5% of users, and rare side effects are less than 1%. However, caution is warranted for individuals on estrogen-sensitive medications or with conditions like breast cancer, as phytoestrogens may stimulate cell proliferation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be cautious due to the lack of safety data. Potential drug interactions with estrogen-sensitive treatments require careful monitoring and consideration.
Dosage
Typical dosages of red clover extract range from 40 to 80 mg of isoflavones per day, often divided into two to three doses to maximize absorption. While minimum effective doses are not well-established, some studies have utilized extracts providing over 30 mg of genistein daily. Long-term safety data for doses above 80 mg/day is limited, thus staying within recognized dosing ranges is advisable. Consistent daily intake is recommended, though specific timing for administration is not established. Red clover is available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules, with standardized extracts preferred for accuracy.
FAQs
Is red clover safe for everyone?
Red clover is safe for short-term use but should be avoided by women with ER-positive breast cancer due to potential estrogenic effects. Long-term safety data are limited.
When should red clover be taken?
There are no specific timing recommendations, but consistent daily dosing is typical for best results.
What effects can I expect from taking red clover?
Users may expect some reduction in menopausal hot flashes within 3-4 months, but individual responses can vary.
Is red clover effective against cancer?
Red clover is not proven to be an anticancer agent and could potentially stimulate the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6812110/ – A meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of Red Clover Extract in alleviating menopausal symptoms, revealing significant reductions in hot flashes within the initial months of use, although benefits diminish over time.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0367339314001627 – A systematic review examining various studies on red clover, highlighting its phytoestrogenic properties and clinical effects, particularly concerning menopausal symptom management.