Red Clover Aerial Part Extract
Also known as: Red Clover, Wild Clover, Trifolium pratense
Overview
Red clover (*Trifolium pratense*) is a perennial legume widespread across Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, known primarily for its high content of isoflavones, which exhibit estrogen-like effects. The aerial parts of the plant are utilized in various supplements aimed at alleviating menopausal symptoms and enhancing cardiovascular health. Research indicates that red clover may improve lipid profiles and mitigate hot flashes in postmenopausal women, although the body of research remains moderate in maturity, emphasizing the necessity for further high-quality studies to consolidate these findings. Red clover is commonly available in capsule and extract forms, making it accessible for use in dietary supplementation.
Benefits
Research supports several key benefits of red clover, particularly in menopausal women. A notable meta-analysis indicates that isoflavones derived from red clover can significantly reduce the frequency of hot flashes, with a mean difference of -1.73 hot flushes per day. Additionally, red clover has been shown to positively affect lipid profiles, lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Secondary benefits may include reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms and enhancements in skin and hair quality, although evidence for these claims is inconsistent. Overall, red clover appears most beneficial for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular improvement.
How it works
The beneficial effects of red clover are primarily attributed to its isoflavones, such as biochanin A and formononetin, that serve as phytoestrogens, engaging with estrogen receptors in the body. This interaction can lead to a reduction in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Furthermore, red clover isoflavones also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by modulating cytokine profiles and activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which may contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
Side effects
Red clover is generally regarded as safe for most individuals; however, certain precautions should be observed. Adverse effects are largely undocumented but may include gastrointestinal disturbances. There is a potential for interactions with anticoagulant medications and methotrexate, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider prior to use, especially for individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers due to its phytoestrogenic properties. Further rare side effects or contraindications have not been well-researched, leaving some uncertainty regarding long-term safety.
Dosage
The typical effective dose of red clover is between 40-80 mg of total isoflavones per day, with studies indicating that an optimal dosage of 80 mg significantly reduces hot flashes in postmenopausal women. It's important for users to maintain consistent daily intake for the best results. Although no maximum safe dosage is firmly established, the upper limit of 80 mg is frequently referenced in studies. The absorption of isoflavones can vary according to individual metabolism and the specific form of supplementation.
FAQs
Can I take red clover with my medications?
It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting red clover, particularly if you're on medications like blood thinners, due to potential interactions.
When is the best time to take red clover?
No specific timing is recommended, but consistent daily intake is encouraged for optimal results.
How long will it take to see benefits?
Users may start to observe benefits within a few weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Research Sources
- https://examined.com/supplements/red-clover-extract/research/ – This source compiles findings from multiple studies regarding red clover's efficacy. It highlights various benefits, particularly for menopausal symptoms, while calling for more comprehensive research to establish conclusive evidence.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20142789/ – This meta-analysis focused on the impact of red clover on menopausal symptoms, reporting significant reductions in hot flashes among postmenopausal women with varying participant characteristics and study methodologies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33920485/ – This systematic review revealed improvements in lipid profiles among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women using red clover extracts, establishing high-quality evidence from a substantial sample size.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30269660/ – This in vitro and in vivo study examined red clover's activation of PPARα and its anti-inflammatory effects, offering insights into its benefits but indicating the need for human data validation.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1661-3821/4/3/26 – This academic article discusses various benefits of red clover, with an emphasis on its isoflavones and their mechanism of action, while addressing the gaps in current research that require attention.
Supplements Containing Red Clover Aerial Part Extract
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