Red clover (Trifolium pratense), a wild flowering plant related to peas and beans, is often utilized in traditional remedies for various health issues such as menopause, arthritis, and asthma. In particular, many have turned to this herb for alleviating menopausal symptoms, managing asthma, combating whooping cough, and even addressing arthritis and cancer. However, despite its widespread use, health professionals express caution regarding its claimed benefits, mainly due to the insufficient scientific evidence supporting these assertions. Furthermore, it's essential to note that red clover may interact adversely with certain medications, particularly blood thinners. This article explores red clover's potential advantages, disadvantages, and applications in health and wellness.

What is Red Clover?

Red clover (Trifolium pratense), a striking dark-pink herbaceous plant, hails from regions encompassing Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and its cultivation has expanded into South America, where it serves as a valuable fodder crop that enhances soil fertility. This plant's vibrant flowering parts are not only visually appealing but also utilized as a flavorful garnish in culinary dishes or transformed into extracts and essential oils for various applications.

In traditional medicine practices, red clover is reputedly employed to manage a variety of health conditions, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues, arthritis, skin ailments, respiratory disorders such as asthma, and women's health concerns like menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms. However, it's important to note that scientific research validating these claims is limited. Overall, red clover stands out as a dark-pink flowering plant recognized for its potential benefits in addressing menopause symptoms, asthma, heart ailments, skin disorders, and even cancer-related issues.

Potential Benefits of Red Clover

Although scientific evidence remains limited, red clover (Trifolium pratense) is widely utilized in addressing various health conditions.

Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a significant condition characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) that results in weakened bones. During menopause, women experience a drop in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen, which can accelerate bone turnover and contribute to a decline in BMD.

Rich in isoflavones, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen to some extent, red clover may offer some protective benefits against osteoporosis. Research has indicated a potential relationship between the consumption of isoflavones and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis.

A 2015 investigation involving 60 premenopausal women revealed that daily intake of 150 mL (approximately 5 ounces) of red clover extract, containing 37 mg of isoflavones, for a duration of 12 weeks led to a reduction in BMD loss in the lumbar spine and neck, when compared to a placebo group. Additionally, earlier studies have noted improvements in BMD following the use of red clover extract.

Nonetheless, a separate study conducted in 2015 with 147 postmenopausal women found that a daily intake of 50 mg of red clover over one year did not result in any significant enhancements in BMD compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, other research has failed to establish a beneficial impact of red clover on BMD, highlighting the necessity for further investigation due to the conflicting findings.

Menopausal Symptoms

The substantial isoflavone content in red clover is thought to alleviate various menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and nocturnal sweating. Two review studies suggested that a daily dosage of 40–80 mg of red clover (Promensil) could reduce the frequency of severe hot flashes (five or more per day) by 30–50%. However, it's crucial to note that many of these studies were sponsored by supplement companies, raising concerns about potential bias.

In another study, a remarkable 73% reduction in hot flashes was reported within three months among participants taking a supplement comprising various herbs, including red clover. However, due to the multitude of ingredients, it remains unclear whether red clover was the driving factor behind this improvement.

Additionally, red clover appears to provide mild benefits for other menopausal concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and vaginal dryness. Yet, many studies have not demonstrated any significant changes in menopausal symptoms when comparing red clover to a placebo. As it stands, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that red clover supplementation effectively enhances menopausal symptoms, necessitating the need for more rigorous, independent research.

Skin and Hair Health

Traditionally, red clover extract has been employed to foster skin and hair vitality. In a randomized study involving 109 postmenopausal women, those who consumed 80 mg of red clover extract daily for 90 days reported notable improvements in hair and skin texture, appearance, and overall quality.

Moreover, a separate study conducted on 30 men indicated a 13% enhancement in the hair growth cycle (anagen) and a 29% reduction in the hair loss phase (telogen) when applying a 5% red clover extract to the scalp over four months, compared to the placebo group. Although these findings are promising, further research is essential for validation.

Heart Health

Initial studies suggest that red clover may positively influence heart health in postmenopausal women. A 2015 study involving 147 postmenopausal women showed a 12% reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol following a year of daily consumption of 50 mg of red clover (Rimostil). A review of studies conducted among postmenopausal women taking red clover for four to twelve months revealed a significant increase in HDL (good) cholesterol, alongside a decrease in both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, a review from 2020 concluded that red clover did not effectively lower LDL cholesterol or raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Despite some encouraging outcomes, researchers noted that many studies were small and lacked adequate blinding. Consequently, high-quality research is still required. Furthermore, since these studies primarily involved older, menopausal women, it remains uncertain whether these findings are applicable to the broader population.

Other Claims

Advocates of red clover often assert its potential benefits for weight loss, cancer treatment, asthma, whooping cough, arthritis, and more. However, evidence supporting red clover's efficacy in treating these conditions remains limited. While there is some indication it may assist in reducing menopausal hot flashes, further research is imperative. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that red clover can enhance cholesterol levels, strengthen bones, promote weight loss, or effectively treat cancer, asthma, or other health issues.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is largely considered safe by various health authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and research indicates that it is generally well tolerated by most individuals. However, it is crucial to be informed about its possible side effects, interactions with medications, and the associated risks for specific populations.

Possible Side Effects

While occurrences are infrequent, some reported side effects of red clover include vaginal spotting, extended menstrual cycles, skin irritation, nausea, and headaches. There have also been isolated case reports documenting rare but serious side effects associated with its use.

For instance, a notable case from 2007 involved a 53-year-old woman who experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke, after consuming a supplement containing 250 mg of red clover along with eight other herbs to alleviate hot flashes. It is important to note that the hemorrhage could not be definitively attributed to red clover.

Another incident involved a 52-year-old woman who suffered from severe abdominal pain and vomiting after taking 430 mg of red clover over three days. Medical professionals suspect that red clover interfered with her psoriasis medication, methotrexate. Upon discontinuing the use of red clover, she made a complete recovery.

Populations at Risk

Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometriosis should consult their healthcare provider prior to using red clover, given its estrogen-like effects. Nonetheless, a three-year, double-blind clinical trial indicated that a daily intake of 40 mg of red clover was safe for women with a family history of breast cancer. In comparison to the placebo group, there was no observed increase in breast cancer risk, endometrial thickness, or hormonal fluctuations.

Despite these findings, it remains imperative to discuss the use of red clover with a healthcare professional to determine its safety and suitability for your situation. Moreover, there is a lack of safety data regarding red clover's effects on children, pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding, advising caution and suggesting it be avoided in these groups.

Lastly, red clover has the potential to impede blood clotting, making it unsuitable for individuals with bleeding disorders. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications or herbal supplements you are taking, especially if you are scheduled for surgery.

Interactions with Medications

Numerous natural herbs can compromise the effectiveness of various medications. Specifically, red clover may engage in interactions with oral contraceptives, methotrexate, hormone replacement therapies, tamoxifen, and anticoagulants such as aspirin or Plavix, among others.

A recent study involving 88 women on the breast cancer medication tamoxifen revealed no drug interactions or significant side effects due to red clover, indicating that it may not interfere with anti-estrogen treatments. Nonetheless, caution is warranted when combining red clover with tamoxifen until further clinical safety data is available. Given the extensive range of potential drug interactions with red clover and the limited information currently available, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplements into your regimen. Although red clover is generally regarded as safe, its minor estrogenic properties suggest it should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as by those with bleeding disorders or those on hormone replacement therapy and other medications.

Applications and Recommended Dosage

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is predominantly available in the form of supplements or tea made from its dried flower tops. Additionally, tinctures and extracts can be easily found in most health food shops or through online retailers. The majority of red clover supplements typically come in dosages ranging from 40–80 mg. These figures are derived from clinical studies and safety evaluations, so it’s crucial to adhere to the suggested dosage indicated on the product packaging.

To prepare a soothing cup of red clover tea, simply add 4 grams of dried flower tops (or use red clover tea bags) to 1 cup (approximately 250 mL) of boiling water, allowing it to steep for about 5–10 minutes. It is advisable to limit your consumption to 1–3 cups (approximately 240–720 mL) daily, as some reports have noted side effects with 5 cups (around 1.2 liters) per day. While many individuals appreciate the flavor of red clover tea, current research does not support that it offers the same health benefits as more concentrated forms, such as supplements and extracts. Red clover can be utilized in various forms, including supplements, extracts, or tea. Always follow the dosage instructions provided on the label and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating red clover into your routine.

The Bottom Line

Red clover, known as Trifolium pratense, is a versatile herb that has been utilized in traditional medicine for numerous health concerns, including hot flashes, osteoporosis, arthritis, as well as various skin and hair conditions. Its use spans across different cultures, with practitioners in India often embracing it for its purported benefits, while in Australia, it is recognized for its natural healing properties. Research indicates that a daily intake of 40 to 80 mg of red clover may be effective in alleviating severe menopausal hot flashes. Nevertheless, apart from this finding, there is limited evidence to support its efficacy in treating other health issues.

While red clover is generally regarded as safe for most individuals, some may experience mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and vaginal spotting. Furthermore, because of its slightly estrogenic effects, it is advised that pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or bleeding disorders, refrain from using this herb. To ensure your well-being, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider prior to incorporating red clover into your health regimen.