Common Name Red Clover

Latin Binomial Trifolium pratense L.
Family: Fabaceae

Part Used Flower-head

Pharmacopoeial & Other Monographs

BHC 1992 (19)
BHP 1996 (21)
Martindale 35th Edition (34)

Active Constituents Isoflavones
Biochanin A
Sissotrin
Genistein
Genistin
Daidzein
Daidzin
Glycitein
Glycitin
Formononetin
Ononin

Side Effects Urticarial reactions have been documented. (5) Infertility and growth disorders have been reported in grazing animals (23) These effects may be due to oestrogenic constitiuents.

Pharmacological Action Red clover is a legume rich in isoflavonoid phytoestrogens including: genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A. These compounds support critical hormone levels within both men and women. Phytoestrogens support health by: (14)

Binding to estrogen receptors and prevent the body from producing estradiol.
Boosting progesterone expression and help the body normalize estrogen to progesterone ratio.
Decreasing cholesterol and support the liver in detoxifying the blood and converting excess estradiol into estriol.
Acting as antioxidants.
Inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels (that feed abnormal cells).
Increasing several enzymes that prevent DNA adducts and decrease cellular damage and aging.

Food Use The Council of Europe designates Red Clover as a natural source of Food Flavoring. It is Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS).

Herbal Use/Indication Red Clover can be used as a dermatological agent, antispasmodic, and expectorant. It has been used to treat chronic skin diseases, whooping cough, eczema, and psoriasis. (19)(20)(64)(29)

Dosage Dried flower-head: 4 as infusion three times per day. (19)(20)
Liquid extract: 1.5-3.0 ml (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three times per day. (19)(20)
Tincture: 1-2ml (1:10 in 45% alcohol) three times per day. (19)(20)

Contra-Indications Drug-Interactions
Since the constituents of red clover have estrogenic effects, red clover may interfere with hormonal therapies.

Pregnancy and lactation
Due to estrogenic effects, the consumption of red clover should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

BHC 1992

BHP 1996

Martindale 35th Edition

Tobler M et al. characteristics of whole fresh plant extracts. Schweiz Aschr GanzheitsMedizin 1994; 6: 257-266.

Frhne D. Pfander HJ. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. London: Wolfe, 1984.

Red Clover Herb and Blossom. [Internet]; Available from: http;//www.florhealth.com/flora/home/Canada/HealthInformation/Encyclopedias/RedClover.htm#Overview.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1990, bol 1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1990.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1990, vol.1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1990.

Wren RC. Potter's New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations (revised, Williamson WE, Evans FJ). Saffron Walden: Daniel, 1988.