Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Red Clover Leaf Extract

Also known as: Cow clover, Creeping clover, Flos Trifolii, Meadow clover, Purple clover, Trefoil, Trifolium pratense

Overview

Red clover (*Trifolium pratense*) is a perennial herb that contains a rich profile of isoflavones, which are natural compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Traditionally utilized for a variety of health issues including skin ailments and respiratory conditions, its primary applications currently center on alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and improving lipid profiles in women transitioning through menopause. Key isoflavones like biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects, acting on estrogen receptors to mediate their beneficial properties. Research supporting the efficacy of red clover is moderate to robust, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses affirming its positive impacts on women’s health, particularly concerning menopausal symptom management. Commonly available as a dietary supplement, it is important to use standardized extracts to ensure consistent isoflavone concentrations for effective use.

Benefits

Red clover is primarily recognized for its effectiveness in reducing menopausal symptoms and improving lipid profiles. A meta-analysis involving eight trials demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in daily hot flushes, with a mean difference of -1.73 hot flushes per day compared to placebo. Additionally, a systematic review including twelve randomized controlled trials indicated notable improvements in lipid parameters, such as reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, alongside an increase in HDL cholesterol in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Other potential benefits include neuroprotective effects and enhancements to skin health, observed in preliminary studies. These benefits are especially relevant in middle-aged populations experiencing menopausal transitions, indicating the potential for red clover to contribute positively to women’s health during this critical phase.

How it works

Red clover isoflavones function primarily as phytoestrogens, which means they can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, mimicking the effects of estrogen. These molecules interact with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), influencing signaling pathways that regulate menopausal symptoms and lipid metabolism. The isoflavones can activate or inhibit these receptors based on the hormonal environment, potentially providing a balanced approach to managing estrogen deficiency as seen in menopause. Furthermore, red clover may impact aromatase activity, affecting overall estrogen synthesis. Its effective absorption and utilization largely depend on the standardized extracts utilized, which ensure a consistent presence of active isoflavones.

Side effects

Red clover is generally well tolerated when used at recommended doses. Common side effects reported include gastrointestinal disturbances such as loss of appetite, pedal edema, and abdominal tenderness, occurring in more than 5% of users. Uncommon side effects may include hormonal fluctuations or breast tenderness due to its estrogen-like activity, although specific data on these occurrences are limited. In rare cases, there is an association with increased bleeding when combined with certain herbs, particularly in users taking anticoagulants. Caution is advised due to potential drug interactions, such as reduced effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives or increased bleeding from anticoagulants like warfarin. It is contraindicated in individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions, androgen-dependent cancers, or during pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage

For effective use, the recommended minimum dose of red clover is typically 40-80 mg of standardized isoflavones per day. Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 40 mg to 160 mg daily, with evidence supporting benefits at these levels. While no definitive maximum safe dose exists, caution is advised at higher doses, particularly above 160 mg, due to limited data on long-term safety. Consistency in dosing is crucial for maintaining the therapeutic effects, and while specific timing for administration is not critical, regular intake is encouraged. Users should favor standardized extracts to ensure reliable isoflavone content, varying based on individual responses and specific health goals.

FAQs

Is red clover safe for everyone?

Red clover is generally safe for most, but those with estrogen-sensitive conditions, pregnant or lactating women, and children under 12 should avoid it.

How long does it take to see results?

Users can typically expect to see benefits, particularly for menopausal symptoms, within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use.

Can I take red clover with my medication?

Red clover may interact with anticoagulants and hormonal therapies, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before combining supplements with medications.

Is red clover better than hormone replacement therapy?

While red clover can alleviate menopausal symptoms, it should not replace hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women requiring medical treatment for significant hormonal deficiencies.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33920485/ – This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of red clover in alleviating menopausal symptoms, revealing a significant reduction in hot flushes among participants using red clover isoflavones compared to placebo. It emphasizes the need for ongoing research to further explore long-term effects.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/red-clover – A comprehensive overview on red clover detailing its potential health benefits, traditional uses, and safety considerations, especially in populations with estrogen-sensitive conditions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30269660/ – This systematic review assessed the impact of red clover on lipid profiles, indicating significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels among postmenopausal women, underscoring its potential cardiovascular benefits.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effectiveness-of-red-clover-in-alleviating-a-trial-Shakeri-Taavoni/19b1d28a3516fb8021eaf6188888bdb4d925c044 – A randomized controlled trial focusing on menopausal symptoms found red clover extract significantly reduced daily vasomotor symptoms compared to placebo. The study emphasizes the extract's effectiveness but calls for further investigations into long-term implications.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/red-clover.html – This resource provides an overview of red clover, its uses, potential benefits and side effects, along with comprehensive information regarding contraindications and interactions with medications.