What is Red Clover Extract Good For?
2023-11-27
Red clover extract is deduced from the red clover plant ( Trifolium pratense) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. moment, it continues to be studied for a variety of implicit health benefits and remedial uses. This composition will explore the crucial areas where red clover excerpt may be profitable, from supporting hormonal balance to enhancing cardiovascular health.
Introduction
Red Clover is a flowering factory from the legume family with pink-grandiloquent flowers. Extracts from the flowers, leaves, and stems have been used in Ayurvedic drugs, traditional Chinese drugs, and folk drug practices for treating colorful affections (1).
Red clover extract contains phytoestrogens, flavonoids, isoflavones, coumarins, and other bioactive composites. These factors give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-regulating parcels that may be salutary (2). Ongoing research is uncovering promising applications of red clover extract for health promotion and disease prevention.
Understanding Red Clover Extract
The crucial composites set up in red clover extract include isoflavones like biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein. It also contains flavonoids like quercetin and phenolic acids like caffeic acid (3). Other ingredients include vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, and chromium.
Traditionally, red clover was used for respiratory problems, menopausal symptoms, mastitis, joint disorders, asthma, and gout (4). Today, most interest surrounds its potential to mitigate menopause symptoms, support cardiovascular health, enhance bone strength, and act as an antioxidant.
However, high-quality research on red clover extract in humans is limited. The efficacy and safety of many of its applications still require further study.
Promoting Hormonal Balance and Menopause Relief
Isoflavones from red clover bear as phytoestrogens, meaning they can weakly mimic the hormone estrogen in the body (5). This
is allowed to help regulate hormonal oscillations and relieve estrogen-insufficiency symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal blankness,
and mood swings during perimenopause and menopause.
Some studies on red clover leaf extract high in isoflavones show they can significantly improve menopausal symptoms. A 2019
review found red clover supplementation decreased hot flash frequency by an average of 44% compared to placebo (6).
However, other studies show small or no benefit for menopausal relief (7). The efficacity seems to depend on the lozenge,
expression, and standardization of isoflavone content. Overall, it holds a pledge as a natural volition to traditional hormone remedies.
Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Red clover’s isoflavones and phenolic compounds may contribute to heart health in several ways. Research indicates they have beneficial effects on blood lipids, blood pressure regulation, vascular function, and other cardiovascular parameters.
According to a 2015 review, red clover extracts reduced total and LDL cholesterol in multiple clinical studies (8). Other trials show improved flow-mediated dilation of arteries, a marker of vascular health. Such benefits may lower atherosclerotic plaque and heart disease risk.
However, the extent of cardiovascular protection has yet to be confirmed. More robust studies are needed to verify the positive effects suggested by early findings.
Enhancing Bone Health
Red clover's isoflavones can mimic estrogen's bone-preserving effects in the body. This phytoestrogenic activity may help slow bone
loss and reduce osteoporosis risk after menopause.
Animal studies indicate that red clover isoflavones preserve bone mineral density and microarchitecture. Early menopausal women
taking red clover supplements for 12 months maintained lumbar spine bone mineral content compared to placebo.
By regulating bone metabolism, red clover may also aid recovery from fractures or bone injuries. However, high-quality studies
confirming its long-term impacts on bone health are lacking.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Red clover extract exhibits antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. This is attributed to its content of polyphenolic compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids.
In studies, red clover decreased inflammatory markers like nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2. It also boosted antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and catalase.
These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory conduct may help prevent chronic conditions where oxidative damage plays a part. Research is exploring the potential benefits for arthritis, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Topically, red clover is also studied for its antioxidant effects on the skin.
Other Potential Uses and Considerations
Early research suggests red clover may also:
- Alleviate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
- Support liver health and aid detoxification.
- Improve certain skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Promote hair growth by extending the anagen hair growth phase.
- Have protective benefits against some forms of cancer.
However, human studies are severely limited and inadequate to confirm these benefits or determine optimal therapeutic dosages.
What does red clover do to the body?
Research suggests red clover may influence the body in the following ways:
- Mimics estrogen due to its isoflavone content, helping regulate hormonal balance.
- Improves blood vessel flexibility and blood flow.
- Lowers LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Preserves bone mineral density by regulating bone metabolism.
- Reduces inflammation through antioxidant effects and influences on inflammatory pathways.
- Boosts immune function by enhancing the activity of protective white blood cells.
- Slows breast and prostate cancer cell proliferation in laboratory settings.
- Protects the liver from toxicity through support of detoxification pathways.
- Promotes hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase and stimulating hair follicles.
However, human studies are very limited, and larger clinical trials are required to confirm these physiological effects of red clover supplementation.
What does red clover extract do for skin?
Early research suggests red clover extract may offer certain benefits when applied topically on the skin:
- Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Antioxidants reduce UV damage and photoaging effects from sun exposure.
- Phytoestrogens may increase thickness and collagen content in the skin.
- Antimicrobial effects combat bacterial overgrowth implicated in acne.
- The flavonoids protect from oxidative stress that can lead to accelerated skin aging.
- Improves skin hydration and elasticity by supporting the extracellular matrix.
However, robust clinical studies are lacking to substantiate these skin-enhancing claims. More evidence is needed before red clover extracts can be recommended specifically for dermatological use.
What are the side effects of red clover extract?
When used orally in appropriate amounts, red clover is generally well tolerated by most people. However, potential side effects can include:
- Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting
- Increased risk of bleeding issues and bruising
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Topical use may result in skin irritation. People with bleeding disorders, hormone-sensitive cancers, thyroid problems, and certain other conditions should avoid red clover.
Does red clover help with hair growth?
Red clover contains isoflavones, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that may support hair health. Early lab studies show it may stimulate follicle proliferation and extend the active hair growth phase.
This is attributed to its potential estrogen-mimicking effects. Phytoestrogens may interact with hair follicle receptors similarly to the body’s natural estrogens. However, human research is lacking to confirm whether red clover extract improves hair growth or thickness.
Conclusion
Red clover extract has a wide range of traditional and contemporary uses. It shows particular promise for supporting women’s health, cardiovascular wellness, and bone strength. Red clover’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also mitigate various chronic diseases. However, many applications require more rigorous clinical validation, along with safety profiling. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, It can be explored as a remedial botanical supplement. Ongoing exploration will uncover the full compass of its health-enhancing eventuality.
WELLGREEN is an innovation-driven manufacturer of herbal extracts since 2011 certified by ISO9001:2015, ISO22000, HALAL, KOSHER, HACCP, and Organic Certificate. If you need Red Clover Extract Powder, please contact us immediately by e-mail: wgt@allwellcn.com We can supply customized service as per your request.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699002/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747821/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836031/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699002/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084564/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6543590/
7. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/88/8/3613/2845109
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4443316/
