Plant Comparison
Selfheal vs Red Clover
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Selfheal and Red Clover: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation, …); 7 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Selfheal | Red Clover | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Red Clover |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Red Clover |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Red Clover |
| Wounds | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Red Clover |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 7/10 | 7/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Blood sugar / diabetes support | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cardiovascular / heart health | 2/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Red Clover |
| Cognitive function | 2/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Red Clover |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.
Phytoestrogenic isoflavones responsible for the plant's estrogenic and cardiovascular research interest; one of the richest known plant sources.
Contribute mild anticoagulant activity; relevant to the plant's caution around blood-thinning medication.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antiviral action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.
Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
Generally safe in normal dietary amounts. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens — exercise caution in oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients or those taking hormone therapies. May interact with warfarin (antiplatelet activity). Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Well tolerated in most adults.
Duke (2002) rates red clover as +++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for estrogenic activity — the plant is one of the richest plant sources of isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, genistein). Clinical applications include menopausal symptom relief, osteoporosis prevention, and cardiovascular protection in peri-menopausal women. Dose: standardized extract providing 40–160 mg isoflavones daily. Duke cautions that due to strong estrogenic activity, red clover is not recommended in estrogen-dependent cancers (breast, uterine) or alongside hormone replacement therapy without medical supervision. Anti-coagulant coumarins are also present (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]
Short-lived perennial herb with trifoliate leaves, each leaflet oval and often marked with a pale chevron, arising from a spreading, slightly hairy stem. Dense, rounded, pink to magenta flower heads are borne at the stem tips.[40]
Habitat
Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]
Grows in meadows, pastures, roadsides and grassy waste ground; native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa and widely naturalised and cultivated as a forage crop elsewhere.[40]
Harvesting
Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]
The flowering heads are picked at full bloom in summer and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve isoflavone content and colour.[40]
Traditional Uses
Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]
Red clover flower has a long folk tradition as a blood-purifying and expectorant remedy for coughs and skin complaints, and more recently has become one of the most studied herbal sources of isoflavone phytoestrogens, researched for menopausal symptom relief and cardiovascular and bone support.[14, 40, 41]
Preparations
Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.
Dosage
Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical research commonly uses around 40-80 mg isoflavones daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
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https://doi.org/10.1080/13697130600736934 - Atkinson, C. et al (2004) 'The effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial', 79(2), pp. 326--333. doi:10.1093/ajcn/79.2.326 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/79.2.326 - Quah, Y., Yi-Le, J.C., Park, N.H., Lee, Y.Y., Lee, E.B., Jang, S.H., Kim, M.J., Rhee, M.H., Lee, S.J. and Park, S.C (2022) 'Serum biomarker-based osteoporosis risk prediction and the systemic effects of Trifolium pratense ethanolic extract in a postmenopausal model', Chinese Medicine, 17(1), pp. 70. doi:10.1186/s13020-022-00622-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-022-00622-7 - Mohsen, A. and Fatemeh, K. and Leila, N. and Mona, P. and Mohammad, Z. and Mozafar, K (2021) 'Pharmacological and therapeutic properties of the Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.): an overview of the new finding', J Tradit Chin Med, 41(4), pp. 642-649. doi:10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20210324.001 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20210324.001 - Antonescu Mintas, A.I. and Miere Groza, F. and Fritea, L. and Ganea, M. and Zdrinca, M. and Dobjanschi, L. and Antonescu, A. and Vicas, S.I. and Bodog, F. and Sindhu, R.K. and Cavalu, S (2021) 'Perspectives on the Combined Effects of Trifolium pratense and Ocimum basilicum Extracts in Terms of Phytochemical Profile and Pharmacological Effects', Plants (Basel), 10(7). doi:10.3390/plants10071390 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071390 - Tanrıverdi, G. and Abdulova, A. and Çölgeçen, H. and Atar, H. and Kaleci, B. and Ekiz-Yılmaz, T (2023) 'Investigation of apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of Turkish natural tetraploid Trifolium pratense L. extract on C6 glioblastoma cells via light and electron microscopy', Ultrastruct Pathol, 47(3), pp. 160-171. doi:10.1080/01913123.2023.2184893 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01913123.2023.2184893 - Zakłos-Szyda, M. and Budryn, G (2020) 'The Effects of Trifolium pratense L. Sprouts' Phenolic Compounds on Cell Growth and Migration of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and HUVEC Cells', Nutrients, 12(1). doi:10.3390/nu12010257 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010257 - Khazayel, S. and Faraji, M.H. and Akbaribazm, M. and Khazaei, M. and Niromand, E. and Khazaei, M.R (2025) 'Synergistic inhibitory effects of Trifolium pratense L. extract and doxorubicin on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice are mediated via targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition', Avicenna J Phytomed, 15(5), pp. 1546-1561. doi:10.22038/ajp.2025.25940 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2025.25940 - Shirani Asl, V. and Rafieemehr, H. and Tamaddon, G (2024) 'The impact of Trifolium pratense extract on apoptosis and autophagy in NALM-6 cells: implications for B-ALL intervention', Med Oncol, 41(11), pp. 257. doi:10.1007/s12032-024-02485-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-024-02485-4 - Won, J.P. and Kim, E. and Hur, J. and Lee, H.G. and Lee, W.J. and Seo, H.G (2023) 'Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) extract inhibits ferroptotic cell death by modulating cellular iron homeostasis', J Ethnopharmacol, 308, pp. 116267. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116267 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116267 - Al-Shami, A.S. and Essawy, A.E. and Elkader, H.A.E.A (2023) 'Molecular mechanisms underlying the potential neuroprotective effects of Trifolium pratense and its phytoestrogen-isoflavones in neurodegenerative disorders', Phytother Res, 37(6), pp. 2693-2737. doi:10.1002/ptr.7870 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7870 - Zhang, H. and Zhao, J. and Shang, H. and Guo, Y. and Chen, S (2020) 'Extraction, purification, hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) polysaccharides', Int J Biol Macromol, 148, pp. 750-760. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.194 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.194 - Khazaei, A.H. and Bozorgi, A. and Ghanbari, E. and Bozorgi, M. and Khazaei, M (2025) 'Trifolium pratense-Derived Exosome Improved Serum Biochemical Parameters and Pancreatic Genes in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats', Endocrinol Diabetes Metab, 8(5), pp. e70103. doi:10.1002/edm2.70103 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/edm2.70103 - Hitzman, R. and Malca-Garcia, G.R. and Howell, C. and Park, H.Y. and Friesen, J.B. and Dong, H. and Dunlap, T. and McAlpine, J.B. and Vollmer, G. and Bosland, M.C. and Nikolić, D. and Lankin, D.C. and Chen, S.N. and Bolton, J.L. and Pauli, G.F. and Dietz, B.M (2023) 'DESIGNER fraction concept unmasks minor bioactive constituents in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)', Phytochemistry, 214, pp. 113789. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113789 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113789 - Lien, Y.Y. and Shyur, L.F. and Cheng, Y.B. and Chang, M.T. and Chang, C.T. and Chen, Y.H. and Lai, G.H. and Liao, H.Y. and Cheng, M.C (2024) 'Trifolium pratense as a novel phytogenic supplement, is an anticoccidial agent in chickens', Poult Sci, 103(10), pp. 104064. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2024.104064 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104064 - Lee, S.G. and Brownmiller, C. and Lee, S. and Kang, H.W (2020) 'Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Anthocyanins of Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW-267.4 Macrophages', Nutrients, 12(4), pp. 1089-1089. doi:10.3390/nu12041089 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041089 - Akbaribazm, M. and Khazaei, M.R. and Khazaei, M.R. and Khazaei, M. and Khazaei, M (2020) 'Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of alcoholic/hydroalcoholic extract of Trifolium pratense', Chinese Herbal Medicines, 12(3), pp. 326-335. doi:10.1016/j.chmed.2020.02.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2020.02.002 - Fu, X. and Qin, T. and Yu, J. and Jiao, J. and Ma, Z. and Fu, Q. and Deng, X. and Ma, S (2019) 'Formononetin Ameliorates Cognitive Disorder via PGC-1α Pathway in Neuroinflammation Conditions in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice', CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 18(7), pp. 566-577. doi:10.2174/1871527318666190807160137 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871527318666190807160137 - Singh, L. and Kaur, H. and Arya, G.C. and Bhatti, R (2023) 'Neuroprotective potential of formononetin, a naturally occurring isoflavone phytoestrogen', Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 103(1), pp. e14353-e14353. doi:10.1111/cbdd.14353 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/cbdd.14353 - Tan, J.W. and Kim, M (2016) 'Neuroprotective Effects of Biochanin A against β-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells via a Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis Pathway', Molecules, 21(5), pp. 548-548. doi:10.3390/molecules21050548 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050548 - Bai, Y. and Li, Z. and Liu, W. and Gao, D. and Liu, M. and Zhang, P (2019) 'Biochanin A attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway', Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, 34(11), pp. e201901104-e201901104. doi:10.1590/s0102-865020190110000004 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-865020190110000004 - Félix, F.B. and Vago, J.P. and Fernandes, D.D.O. and Martins, D.G. and Zaidan, I. and Gonçalves, W.A. and Costa, W.C. and Araújo, J.M.D. and Queiroz‐Junior, C.M. and Campolina-Silva, G.H. and Soriani, F.M. and Sousa, L.P. and Grespan, R. and Teixeira, M.M. and Pinho, V (2021) 'Biochanin A Regulates Key Steps of Inflammation Resolution in a Model of Antigen-Induced Arthritis via GPR30/PKA-Dependent Mechanism', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 662308-662308. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.662308 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.662308 - Akbaribazm, M. and Khazaei, M.R. and Khazaei, M.R. and Khazaei, M. and Khazaei, M (2020) 'Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) extract and doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer in tumor‐bearing BALB/c mice through modulation of apoptosis and increase antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory related pathways', Food Science & Nutrition, 8(8), pp. 4276-4290. doi:10.1002/fsn3.1724 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1724 - Akbaribazm, M. and Khazaei, M.R. and Khazaei, M.R. and Khazaei, F. and Khazaei, M. and Khazaei, M (2020) 'Doxorubicin and Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover) extract synergistically inhibits brain and lung metastases in 4T1 tumor‐bearing BALB/c mice', Food Science & Nutrition, 8(10), pp. 5557-5570. doi:10.1002/fsn3.1820 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1820 - Khazaei, M. and Pazhouhi, M (2018) 'Antiproliferative Effect of Trifolium Pratens L. Extract in Human Breast Cancer Cells', Nutrition and Cancer, 71(1), pp. 128-140. doi:10.1080/01635581.2018.1521443 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2018.1521443 - Pazhouhi, M. and Khazaei, M (2018) 'Protective effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Trifolium pratense L. on pancreatic β cell line (RIN-5F) against cytotoxicty of streptozotocin', Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 13(4), pp. 324-324. doi:10.4103/1735-5362.235159 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-5362.235159 - Antonescu, I.A. and Antonescu, A. and Miere, F. and Fritea, L. and Teușdea, A.C. and Vicaș, L.G. and Vicaş, S.I. and Brihan, I. and Domuța, M. and Zdrîncă, M. and Zdrîncă, M. and Cavalu, S (2021) 'Evaluation of Wound Healing Potential of Novel Hydrogel Based on Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense Extracts', Processes, 9(11), pp. 2096-2096. doi:10.3390/pr9112096 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9112096 - British Herbal Medicine Association (1996) 'British Herbal Pharmacopoeia'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=British%20Herbal%20Pharmacopoeia - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Booth, N.L., Piersen, C.E., Banuvar, S., Geller, S.E., Shulman, L.P. and Farnsworth, N.R (2006) 'Clinical studies of red clover (Trifolium pratense) dietary supplements in menopause: a literature review', Menopause, 13(2), pp. 251-264. doi:10.1097/01.gme.0000198297.40269.f7 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.gme.0000198297.40269.f7 - Fritz, H., Seely, D., Flower, G., Skidmore, B., Fernandes, R., Vadeboncoeur, S., Kennedy, D., Cooley, K., Wong, R., Sagar, S., Sabri, E. and Fergusson, D (2013) 'Soy, red clover, and isoflavones and breast cancer: a systematic review', PLoS One, 8(11), pp. e81968. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0081968 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0081968
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.