Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Asthma
Breast pain
Bronchitis
Burns (topically)
Cardiovascular diseases
Cough
Eczema and psoriasis (topically)
Osteoporosis
Sexually transmitted diseases
Symptoms of menopause - hot flashes (popular use)
Whooping cough
Security
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
- Adverse Effects: Not Frequent
Description
Part of the plant used: flowers
Mostly known as a forage plant, red clover is extensively cultivated in North America and Europe. It has a very characteristic ball-like flower. This perennial plant has been valued for its medicinal properties for quite some time. The applicable part of the plant are the above-ground parts (leaves and flowers). Red clover has been associated with antispasmodic and expectorant activities. It is also thought to exert estrogenic activity due to its isoflavone constituents, and is thus used to relieved the symptoms of menopause.
Direction of use
There is no evidence that red clover is effective in any indication. However a standardized product called Promensil is said to effectively relieve the symptoms of menopause.
- Symptoms of menopause:
Usual doses: 40 to 80 mg isoflavone per day
There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that red clover is effective in any other indication, including topically.
Precautions
- Side effects
Red clover is not associated with any particular toxicity. It can however cause a rash-like reaction, muscle pain, headache or nausea in some people. - Contraindications
Avoid red clover if you have breast cancer or other hormone sensitive cancer. - Interactions
Because of the presence of coumarin derivatives, large doses of red clover may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (Coumadin) and antiplatelet agents. Before taking red clover, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are no drug interactions with your regular medication. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Because of its potential estrogenic activity, red clover is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database 1999
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002
- Natural therapeutics Pocket Guide 2000-2001 (Lexicomp)
- Passeportsanté.net. Trèfle rouge. www.passeportsante.net
- Rotblatt M. et Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine, Hanley & Belfus, 2002
- The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.