Red clover is a source of many nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, chromium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and niacin. This would explain why this legume is widely used as a forage crop for livestock.
Human uses for red clover—aside from it being the source of one of the most popular honeys—have included a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and symptoms of prostate enlargement.
Red Clover’s History and Background
- Parke Davis introduced Syrup Trifolium, a formulation of red clover, prickly ash, burdock root, poke root, Oregon grape, and potassium iodide, in 1890. In 1898, red clover was listed in King’s American Dispensatory, the “bible of Eclectic Physicians.”
- The Eclectics used red clover blossoms as an alternative and blood purifier, and its inclusion in their trifolium compound was the basis for the later Hoxsey Formula. (Treating Cancer with Herbs, an Integrative Approach. Michael Tierra. Lotus Press, 2003. Pg 240)
- James Duke, PhD, one of the world’s leading authorities on herbal healing traditions, touted red clover as a cancer preventative and a treatment for menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, and even as an aid to smoking cessation. (The Green Pharmacy. James A. Duke. Rodale Press, 1997. Pp 325, 328, 399-400)
Current Evidence of Red Clover’s Benefits
Unfortunately, much of the science behind red clover’s beneficial effects is of poor quality or contradictory.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that several small studies evaluating the efficacy of red clover for menopausal symptoms produced mixed results, and one large study demonstrated no benefit from red clover. (Tice J, et al. Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) study. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290(2):207–214)
As of 2008, NCCAM maintained that “there is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether red clover is effective for any other health conditions.”
Modern science has revealed that red clover is a rich source of isoflavones known as “phytoestrogens.” Although these compounds hold promise for treating several conditions, their similarity to estrogens poses a potential (but as yet unproven) hazard for individuals with conditions that could be worsened by exposure to estrogens.
Potential Benefits From Isoflavones (Phytoestrogens) in Red Clover
- Cardiovascular: Red clover isoflavones have been associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol in women in some trials, but not in others. Arterial compliance may be improved in women taking red clover, and the coumarin in this plant acts as a mild “blood thinner.”(Chedraui P, et al. Effect of Trifolium pratense-derived isoflavones on the lipid profile of postmenopausal women with increased body mass index. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2008;24(11):620-4)
- PMS and Menopause: Isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors on cells, potentially blocking the effects of excess estrogen or, conversely, providing a mild estrogenic effect when natural estrogen levels have fallen. Current data are conflicting, and studies are ongoing.(Mueller M, Jungbauer A. Red clover extract: a putative source for simultaneous treatment of menopausal disorders and the metabolic syndrome. Menopause. 2008;15(6):1120-31)
- Osteoporosis: With declining estrogen levels during menopause, isoflavones could slow bone loss by attaching to cellular receptors in bone that respond to estrogen. Preliminary evidence shows potential benefit, but data is insufficient.(Occhiuto F, et al. Effects of phytoestrogenic isoflavones from red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) on experimental osteoporosis. Phytother Res. 2007;21(2):130-4)
- Cancer: Some evidence indicates that red clover isoflavones may inhibit cancer cell growth or interfere with a tumor’s ability to establish a blood supply. However, since isoflavones also exert an estrogenic effect, some scientists fear they might actually contribute to the development and growth of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast, prostate, or uterus. Other researchers feel that phytoestrogens are handled differently than mammalian estrogens, though, and the former pose little or no risk. (Powles T, et al. Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer. Menopause Int. 2008;14(1):6-12)
Red clover appears to be safe for most adults. Individuals who are at risk for, or who have been diagnosed with, estrogen-sensitive cancers and those who take warfarin or other blood thinners should consult their physicians before taking red clover.
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