red clover

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

While red clover (Trifolium pratense) is generally considered safe when used appropriately, there are specific contraindications and precautions to remember. Some of these include: 

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: red clover has estrogen-like effects and may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid using red clover during these times. 
• Hormone-sensitive conditions: Because red clover can have estrogen-like effects, it may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. It is recommended to avoid using red clover if you have one of these conditions. 
• Blood-thinning medications: red clover may increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before using red clover if taking these medications. 
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to red clover. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after using red clover, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention. 
• Interactions with other medications: red clover may interact with certain types of medications, including birth control pills and medications metabolized by the liver. Speaking with a healthcare provider before using red clover if you are taking any medications is crucial.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Rash 

Estrogen-like effects 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There is currently no black box warning for the red Clover herbal supplement. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

While red clover (Trifolium pratense) is generally considered safe when used appropriately, there are specific contraindications and precautions to remember. Some of these include: 

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: red clover has estrogen-like effects and may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid using red clover during these times. 
• Hormone-sensitive conditions: Because red clover can have estrogen-like effects, it may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. It is recommended to avoid using red clover if you have one of these conditions. 
• Blood-thinning medications: red clover may increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before using red clover if taking these medications. 
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to red clover. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash,itching, hives, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after using red clover, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention. 
• Interactions with other medications: red clover may interact with certain types of medications, including birth control pills and medications metabolized by the liver. Speaking with a healthcare provider before using red clover if you are taking any medications is essential. 

Caution 

While red clover (Trifolium pratense) is generally considered safe when used appropriately, there are some cautions to remember. Some of these include: 

• Dosage: It is essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions for red clover, as taking too much may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and rash. 
• Duration of use: red clover should not be used for extended periods without the guidance of a healthcare provider. Long-term use may increase the risk of specific health problems. 
• Interactions with medications: red clover may interact with certain medications, including blood-thinning and birth control pills. Speaking with a healthcare provider before using red clover if you are taking any medications is crucial. 
• Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to red clover. If you experience itching, hives, or difficulty breathing symptoms, stop using red clover immediately and seek medical attention. 
• Hormone-sensitive conditions: Because red clover has estrogen-like effects, it may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. It is recommended to avoid using red clover if you have one of these conditions. 
• Quality of the product: When purchasing red clover supplements, choosing a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

red clover (Trifolium pratense) contains several biologically active compounds, including isoflavones, flavonoids, and coumarins. These compounds are generally believed to be responsible for the potential health benefits of red clover. 

Isoflavones are a class of plant compounds with estrogen-like effects on the body. red clover is particularly rich in two isoflavones, genistein, and daidzein. These compounds may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats by binding to estrogen receptors in the body. Isoflavones may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. 

Flavonoids are a class of plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. red clover contains several flavonoids, including quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. These compounds may help protect against oxidative damage and inflammation, which are believed to contribute to the development of many chronic diseases. 

Coumarins are compounds with anti-coagulant effects, meaning they might help prevent blood clots from forming in the body. red clover contains several coumarins, including coumarin itself and its derivatives. These compounds may help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

While red clover has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, more research is needed to understand its pharmacology and mechanisms of action fully. It is always recommended to speak with a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement or medication to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you to use. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The action of red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is related to its active compounds, particularly the isoflavones, flavonoids, and coumarins. 

Isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, have estrogen-like activity in the body and can bind to estrogen receptors. This activity may be responsible for some of the effects of red Clover, particularly in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Isoflavones may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are implicated in many chronic diseases. 

Coumarins, such as coumarin itself and its derivatives, have anticoagulant activity and may help to improve blood flow and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The absorption of red Clover and its active compounds may depend on the formulation, dose, and individual differences in gut function. In one study, the bioavailability of genistein, an isoflavone found in red Clover, was low in humans, with only a tiny percentage of the dose being absorbed. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, the active compounds in red Clover may be distributed throughout the body. Isoflavones, in particular, have been shown to accumulate in tissues such as breast and prostate tissue. 

Metabolism 

red Clover and its active compounds may be metabolized in the liver and other tissues. Isoflavones, such as genistein, undergo extensive metabolism in the body, with several metabolites forming. Individual differences may influence the metabolism of red Clover and its active compounds in liver function and gut microbiota. 

Elimination and Excretion 

red Clover and its active compounds are excreted from the body via urine and feces. The excretion of red Clover and its active compounds may depend on individual differences in renal and gut function.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

red clover (Trifolium pratense) can be taken in several forms, including as a tea, tincture, or supplement. The administration of red clover may vary depending on the form in which it is being used. Here are some standard methods of administration: 

• Tea: To make red clover tea, steep 1-3 teaspoons of dried flowers in 8 ounces of hot water for 10-15 minutes. You can drink up to nearly three cups of red clover tea per day. 
• Tincture: red clover tincture can be orally added to water or juice. Follow the dosage instructions as per product label, as tincture concentrations can vary. 
• Supplement: red clover supplements are available in capsules, tablets, and other forms. Follow the dosage instructions as per the product label, as dosages can vary depending on the form and concentration of the supplement. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: red Clover 

Why do we use red Clover? 

red clover (Trifolium pratense) has a long history of nearly centuries of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have various potential health benefits. Some of the most common uses of red clover include: 

• Menopausal symptoms: red clover contains compounds called isoflavones, which have estrogen-like effects on the body. As a result, red clover may help relieve hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. 
• Osteoporosis: Some studies have suggested that red clover may help improve bone density in postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. 
• High cholesterol: red clover may help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. 
• Skin health: red clover may help improve skin health and reduce the appearance of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 
• Respiratory infections: red clover may have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections. 
• Cancer prevention: Some studies have suggested that red clover may have anti-cancer properties and help prevent the growth and spread of specific cancer cells.