Dr. Arpana Pandit

Red Clover

Introduction

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) otherwise called as Purple Clover or Trefoil or Wild Clover, is a wild plant used as grazing food for cattle and other livestock, and has also been used medicinally to treat a wide array of conditions. These have included cancer, mastitis (inflammation of the breast), joint disorders, jaundice, bronchitis, spasmodic coughing, asthma, and skin inflammations, such as psoriasis and eczema. Red clover is thought to "purify" the blood by promoting urine and mucous production, improving circulation, and stimulating the secretion of bile. Recently, specific chemicals in red clover -- known as isoflavones -- have been isolated and tested for their effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. Although isolated isoflavone products are very different from the whole herb, they have shown promise in the treatment of a number of conditions associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, cardiovascular health, and the bone loss associated with osteoporosis (1).

History and Medicinal Uses

Red clover is a perennial herb that commonly grows wild in meadows throughout Europe and Asia, and has now been naturalized to grow in North America. The red flowers at the end of the branched stems are considered to be the source of its medicinal properties and are usually dried for therapeutic use. It is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also considered to be one of the richest sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants). Although isolated isoflavone products are very different from the whole herb, they have shown promise in the treatment of a number of conditions associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, cardiovascular health, and the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Red clover is used as a remedy mainly for Bronchitis, Cough, Eczema, boils and acne. Taken internally, Red Clover is used for respiratory problems, particularly whooping cough. Externally, it's considered a treatment for chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

How it works?

Red clover is known as an alterative agent (i.e., one that produces gradual beneficial changes in the body, usually by improving nutrition; also known as a “blood cleanser”) (2). It is a traditional remedy for psoriasis and eczema. However, the mechanism of action and constituents responsible for red clover’s purported benefit in skin conditions are unknown. Modern research has revealed that red clover also contains high amounts of isoflavones, such as genistein, which have weak estrogen-like properties (3). Modern research has focused on a red clover extract high in isoflavones as a possible treatment for symptoms associated with menopause and cardiovascular health in menopausal women. However, an actual protective action in humans remains to be demonstrated. In the meantime, Red Clover is valued for its ability to loosen phlegm and calm bronchial spasms. A small perennial herb with fleshy red or white flowers, it is native to Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa, and is naturalized in many other parts of the world. For medicinal purposes, only the flowers are used.

A new study shows that women who took a red clover-derived dietary supplement containing substances called isoflavones (Promensil) experienced significantly slower bone loss in the spine compared with women who took a placebo. The supplement also appeared to have protective effects on bones in the hip, but these effects were not statistically significant (4).

Dosage and Administration

Red clover is available in a variety of preparations, including teas, tinctures, tablets, capsules, liquid extract, and extracts standardized to specific isoflavone contents. It can also be prepared as an ointment for topical application. Traditionally, red clover is taken as a tea, by adding 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water to 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 grams) of dried flowers and steeping, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes (5). Three cups (750 ml) can be drunk each day. Red clover can also be used in capsule or tablet form, equivalent to 2–4 grams of the dried flowers. Also, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) of tincture three times per day may be taken. Standardized extracts providing 40 mg isoflavones per day are available as well (6).

Side Effects

No serious adverse side effects from red clover have been reported in humans. However, infertility has been noted in grazing animals that consume large amounts of red clover. The use of red clover is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Red clover Supplements

Nature's Way Red Clover Blossom & Herb, 430 mg, Capsules.

Nature's Answer: Red Clover Tops (90 capsules, 900 mg). Promotes Female Hormonal Balance. Single Herb Supplement. Red Clover tops (Trifolium pratense) has been traditionally used for detoxification.

Novogen’s Promensil 90 tablets. As a food supplement take one Promensil tablet daily with a meal. Recommended to be taken for a minimum of 4 weeks. Continue use to maintain benefits.		NATURES ANSWER RED CLOVER TOPS 1 OZ (Alcohol Free)
Alvita’s Red Clover Tea bags.	Yogi Teas’ Fasting tea is made with Organic Red Clover (Trifilium pratense) and Garcinia Fruit (Garcinia cambogia) and is designed to help support a healthy weight loss program, as it aids digestive functions, supports the metabolism and encourages internal cleansing.

References:

1. http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsHerbs/RedCloverch.html

2. http://www.healthwell.com/healthnotes.cfm?contentid=2153008&org=newhope

3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 177–8.

4. Atkinson, C. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2004; vol 79: pp 326-333. News release, North American Menopause Society.

5. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 76–7.

6. Nestel PJ, Pomeroy S, Kay S, et al. Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999;84:895–8.