Plant Comparison

Red Clover vs Great Mullein

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.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ARed CloverTrifolium pratenseFabaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BGreat MulleinVerbascum thapsusScrophulariaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Red Clover and Great Mullein: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bronchitis, cough, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.

Red CloverGreat Mullein
Constituents23
Pharmacological actions104
Indicated uses168
Safety notes22
Cited sources4419
Indicated uses
Only Red Clover
Cardiovascular / heart healthMenstrual crampsMuscle spasmMenopauseHot flashesHigh cholesterolBlood sugar / diabetes supportCognitive functionWounds
Shared (7)
Arthritis / joint painBronchitisCoughInflammation (general)Respiratory supportSkin irritationCancer (anticancer research)
Only Great Mullein
Insomnia / sleeplessness
Pharmacological actions
Only Red Clover
AntioxidantAntispasmodicLipid-loweringNeuroprotective / cognition supportAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntimicrobialVulnerary (wound healing)
Shared (3)
Anti-inflammatoryExpectorantAnticancer (preclinical)
Only Great Mullein
Sedative / sleep support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionRed CloverGreat MulleinVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain5/101/10Stronger for Red Clover
Bronchitis5/101/10Stronger for Red Clover
Cough5/107/10Stronger for Great Mullein
Inflammation (general)5/101/10Stronger for Red Clover
Respiratory support5/107/10Stronger for Great Mullein
Skin irritation5/105/10Comparable evidence
Cancer (anticancer research)7/102/10Stronger 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

Isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, genistein)[14]

Phytoestrogenic isoflavones responsible for the plant's estrogenic and cardiovascular research interest; one of the richest known plant sources.

Flavonoids
Coumarins[40]

Contribute mild anticoagulant activity; relevant to the plant's caution around blood-thinning medication.

Coumarins
Iridoid glycosides (aucubin, catalpol)[2]

Anti-inflammatory iridoids contributing to the plant's traditional respiratory and anti-inflammatory use.

Iridoid glycosidesGlycosides
Saponins and mucilage[1]

Mucilage gives the soothing demulcent action; saponins contribute to the traditional expectorant effect.

SaponinsMucilage
Flavonoids[2]

Antioxidant flavonoids contributing to overall activity.

Flavonoids

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[4, 14, 17, 22, 28, 33, 34, 40, 41]
Antioxidant[4, 6, 14, 16, 17, 22, 28, 29, 40, 41]
Antispasmodic[8, 14, 40, 41]

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Expectorant[14, 40, 41]
Lipid-lowering[5, 11, 13]
Anticancer (preclinical)[16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 35, 36, 37]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[23, 30, 31, 32]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[24, 25, 38]
Antimicrobial[17, 27]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[17, 39]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14]
Anticancer (preclinical)[4]
Expectorant[1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14]
Sedative / sleep support[12, 13, 14]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[14, 34, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bronchitis[14, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 5
Label: Bronchitis
Cardiovascular / heart health[2, 10, 13, 14, 16, 33, 40, 41]Strong · 9/10
Evidence: 9
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cough[14, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 5
Label: Cough
Inflammation (general)[14, 28, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
Menstrual cramps[8, 14, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Menstrual cramps
Muscle spasm[8, 14, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Muscle spasm
Respiratory support[14, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 5
Label: Respiratory support
Skin irritation[7, 14, 40, 41]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation
Menopause[1, 5, 11, 12, 15]Strong · 9/10
Evidence: 9
Label: Menopause
Hot flashes[1, 5, 11, 12]Strong · 9/10
Evidence: 9
Label: Hot flashes
High cholesterol[5, 11, 13]Strong · 9/10
Evidence: 9
Label: High cholesterol
Cancer (anticancer research)[16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 35, 36, 37]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[24, 25, 38]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cognitive function[23, 30, 31, 32]Good · 8/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 8
Label: Cognitive function
Wounds[17, 39]Good · 7/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 7
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[12, 13, 14]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bronchitis[12, 13, 14]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bronchitis
Cancer (anticancer research)[4]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cough[1, 12, 13, 14]Good · 7/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cough
Inflammation (general)[12, 13, 14]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[12, 13, 14]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Respiratory support[1, 12, 13, 14]Good · 7/10
Evidence: 7
Label: Respiratory support
Skin irritation[9, 12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[14, 40, 41]Caution

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.

Safety note[14, 40, 41, 42]Caution

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).

Safety note[12, 13, 14]Caution

Generally considered safe for short-term use. The tiny hairs on the leaves can cause irritation if tea is not properly filtered. No significant drug interactions documented. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of safety data.

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15]Caution

Duke (2002) rates mullein as ++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for its expectorant activity, consistent with Commission E approval for catarrh and inflammation of the respiratory tract. It functions as a demulcent and emollient for mucous membranes. Traditionally used for bronchitis, asthma, and earaches (oil infusion). Dose: 1.5–2 g dried flower or leaf as tea, three to four times daily. Duke notes an antiviral (antiherpetic) activity at the experimental level. The plant is generally well-tolerated with no known significant contraindications at therapeutic doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 8324121
Wikidata: Q156635
Gbif: 3171949
Wikidata: Q160095

Botanical Description

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]

Height: 20-60 cm
Habit: Short-lived perennial herb, spreading via a branching taproot
Leaves: Trifoliate, each leaflet oval with a pale chevron marking, slightly hairy
Flowers: Dense, rounded heads of small pink to magenta pea-like flowers
Stem: Slightly hairy, branching, spreading
Root: Branching taproot with nitrogen-fixing root nodules
Fruit: Small pod containing 1-2 seeds, enclosed within the dried flower head
Flowering Period: May-September

Tall, stately biennial herb forming a low first-year rosette of large, soft, thick, densely woolly grey-green leaves; in the second year it sends up a single, tall, unbranched flowering spike densely packed with bright yellow, five-petalled flowers that open a few at a time.[1]

Height: 1-2 m (flowering stem, second year)
Habit: Tall, biennial herb; woolly basal rosette in year one, single tall flowering spike in year two
Leaves: Large, soft, thick, densely woolly grey-green, entire to faintly scalloped margin
Flowers: Bright yellow, five-petalled, densely packed along a tall unbranched spike
Stem: Single, tall, unbranched, woolly flowering stem (second year only)
Root: Stout taproot
Fruit: Small capsule with numerous tiny seeds
Flowering Period: June-September (second year)

Habitat

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]

Grows on dry, sunny waste ground, roadsides, disturbed soil and rocky slopes; native to Europe, North Africa and Asia and widely naturalised in North America and elsewhere.[1]

Harvesting

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]

Parts: Flower, Leaf
Season: Summer, at full bloom

The flowers are picked individually as they open through summer (since they open only a few at a time and quickly fade once picked); leaves are gathered from the first-year rosette or second-year plant and dried, with care to filter out the fine leaf hairs, which can irritate the throat if not strained from tea.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf
Season: Flowers through summer as they open; leaf from rosette or flowering plant

Traditional Uses

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]

Great mullein has a long European and Native American tradition as a soothing demulcent and expectorant remedy for cough, bronchitis and irritated airways, and the flower has also been infused in oil as a traditional remedy for earache; the soft, woolly leaf gave rise to old names like 'flannel leaf' and 'velvet plant'.[1, 2]

Preparations

Infusion (flower)[40]

Dried flower heads infused in hot water as a traditional tea for coughs and as a general tonic.

Standardized isoflavone extract[14]

Standardized isoflavone extract in tablet form, the form used in most menopause-related clinical research.

Infusion (flower or leaf)[1]

Dried flower or leaf infused in hot water and carefully strained (to remove fine irritant hairs) as a traditional demulcent cough and respiratory tea.

Dosage

Standardized extract[14]

Clinical research commonly uses around 40-80 mg isoflavones daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion[11]

The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three to four times daily (daily dose 4.5-8 g), in adolescents, adults and elderly; the infusion should be carefully strained to remove the irritant hairs. The monograph covers the FLOWER (Verbasci flos) only — it gives no posology for the leaf. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1104, REF-1105, REF-1106, REF-1107, REF-1108, REF-1109, REF-1110, REF-1111, REF-1112, REF-1113, REF-2344, REF-2345, REF-2346, REF-0013, REF-2347, REF-2889, REF-2890, REF-2891, REF-2892, REF-2893, REF-2894, REF-2895, REF-2896, REF-2897, REF-2898, REF-2899, REF-2900, REF-2923, REF-2924, REF-2925, REF-2926, REF-2927, REF-2928, REF-2929, REF-2930, REF-2931, REF-2932, REF-2933, REF-2934
REF-1123, REF-1124, REF-1125, REF-1126, REF-1127, REF-1128, REF-1129, REF-1130, REF-1131, REF-1132

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[43, 44]Caution
Drug Class: hormonal-therapies
Mechanism: Red clover is rich in isoflavones that act like weak oestrogens; its safety alongside hormone medicines (such as the contraceptive pill, HRT, or breast-cancer hormone treatments like tamoxifen) or in hormone-sensitive conditions is not established, so combined use warrants caution and medical advice.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Not documented

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Dangerous Lookalikes

Not documented

Safety note[16, 17, 18, 19]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: digitalis-purpurea
Confused Part: First-year basal leaf rosette (the foraged leaf, used for tea), before either plant sends up a flower spike.
Confusion Context: Foxglove is the dangerous look-alike for foraged soft-leaf rosettes: its poisonous first-year rosette resembles the plants people gather, and documented cardiac-glycoside poisonings have followed foxglove leaves eaten as comfrey or borage. Great mullein is foraged at the same woolly-rosette stage and grows in the same disturbed, sunny ground, so the same confusion applies. Foxglove leaves contain cardiac glycosides and can be fatal.
Distinguishing Features: Mullein leaves are densely, evenly woolly on BOTH surfaces — a thick silvery-grey felt that gives a soft blanket-like nap and largely hides the veins. Foxglove's upper surface is green and only thinly downy, never a thick silvery felt, and shows a sunken net of veins., Foxglove leaves have a distinctly toothed or scalloped margin; mullein margins are entire to only faintly scalloped. Use this only alongside the wool test, not on its own.
Key Test: Look at the UPPER surface: a thick, even, silvery wool that hides the veins = mullein. A green, matte, net-veined upper surface (only thinly hairy) with a toothed edge = foxglove — do not use it.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

References & Sources

  1. Kanadys, W., Baranska, A., Blaszczuk, A., Polz-Dacewicz, M. and others (2021) 'Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials', Nutrients, 13(4), pp. 1258. doi:10.3390/nu13041258 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041258
  2. Kanadys, W., Baranska, A., Jedrych, M., Religioni, U. and others (2019) 'Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis', Maturitas, 132, pp. 7-16. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.001 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.001
  3. Yokoyama, S.I., Kodera, M., Hirai, A., Nakada, M. and others (2020) 'Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Sprout Prevents Metabolic Syndrome', Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 66(1), pp. 48-53. doi:10.3177/jnsv.66.48 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.66.48
  4. Gosciniak, A., Szulc, P., Zielewicz, W., Walkowiak, J. and others (2023) 'Multidirectional Effects of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in Support of Menopause Therapy', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 5178. doi:10.3390/molecules28135178 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135178
  5. Booth, N.L., Piersen, C.E., Banuvar, S., Geller, S.E. and others (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
  6. Oza, M.J. and Kulkarni, Y.A (2020) 'Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) Improves SIRT1 Expression and Glycogen Content in High Fat Diet-Streptozotocin Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 17(4), pp. e2000019. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202000019 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202000019
  7. Circosta, C., De Pasquale, R., Palumbo, D.R., Samperi, S. and others (2006) 'Effects of isoflavones from red clover (Trifolium pratense) on skin changes induced by ovariectomy in rats', Phytotherapy Research, 20(12), pp. 1096-1099. doi:10.1002/ptr.2017 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2017
  8. Brandli, A., Simpson, J.S. and Ventura, S (2010) 'Isoflavones isolated from red clover (Trifolium pratense) inhibit smooth muscle contraction of the isolated rat prostate gland', Phytomedicine, 17(11), pp. 895-901. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.05.006 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.05.006
  9. Burdette, J.E., Liu, J., Lantvit, D., Lim, E. and others (2002) 'Trifolium pratense (red clover) exhibits estrogenic effects in vivo in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats', The Journal of Nutrition, 132(1), pp. 27-30. doi:10.1093/jn/132.1.27 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/132.1.27
  10. Jiang, Y.B. and Yang, Y.R (2016) 'Trifolium pratense isoflavones improve pulmonary vascular remodelling in broiler chickens', Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 100(6), pp. 1159-1168. doi:10.1111/jpn.12424 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12424
  11. Yigit, E. and Unsal, S (2024) 'Isoflavones obtained from red clover improve both dyslipidemia and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial', Climacteric, 27(6), pp. 548-554. doi:10.1080/13697137.2024.2393121 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2024.2393121
  12. Lethaby, A.E., Brown, J., Marjoribanks, J., Kronenberg, F., Roberts, H. and Eden, J (2007) 'Phytoestrogens for vasomotor menopausal symptoms', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), pp. CD001395. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001395.pub3 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001395.pub3
  13. Geller, S.E. and Studee, L (2006) 'Soy and red clover for mid-life and aging', Climacteric, 9(4), pp. 245-263. doi:10.1080/13697130600736934 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13697130600736934
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. British Herbal Medicine Association (1996) 'British Herbal Pharmacopoeia'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=British%20Herbal%20Pharmacopoeia
  41. Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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
  1. Turker, A.U. and Gurel, E (2005) 'Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research', Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), pp. 733-739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1653
  2. Gupta, A., Atkinson, A.N., Pandey, A.K. and Bishayee, A (2022) 'Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review', Phytotherapy Research, 36(4), pp. 1507-1522. doi:10.1002/ptr.7393 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7393
  3. Ali, N., Ali Shah, S.W., Shah, I., Ahmed, G. and others (2012) 'Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12, pp. 29. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-29 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-29
  4. Mahdavi, S., Amiradalat, M., Babashpour, M., Sheikhlooei, H. and others (2020) 'The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L', Medicinal Chemistry, 16(7), pp. 991-995. doi:10.2174/1573406415666190828155951 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1573406415666190828155951
  5. Kashan, Z.F., Arbabi, M., Delavari, M., Hooshyar, H. and others (2015) 'Effect of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract on induction of apoptosis in Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro', Infectious Disorders Drug Targets, 15(2), pp. 125-130. doi:10.2174/1871526515666150724114924 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1871526515666150724114924
  6. Chen, S., Liu, H., Wang, S., Jiang, H. and others (2022) 'The Neuroprotection of Verbascoside in Alzheimer's Disease Mediated through Mitigation of Neuroinflammation via Blocking NF-kappaB-p65 Signaling', Nutrients, 14(7), pp. 1417. doi:10.3390/nu14071417 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071417
  7. Bampidis, V., Azimonti, G., Bastos, M.L. and others (EFSA FEEDAP Panel) (2021) 'Safety of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from Verbascum thapsus L. (great mullein tincture) for use in all animal species (MANGHEBATI SAS)', EFSA Journal, 19(7), pp. e06711. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6711 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6711
  8. Blanco-Salas, J., Hortigon-Vinagre, M.P., Morales-Jadan, D. and Ruiz-Tellez, T (2021) 'Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae)', Biology, 10(7), pp. 618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10070618
  9. Taleb, S. and Saeedi, M (2021) 'The effect of Verbascum thapsus on episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21(1), pp. 166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6
  10. Soto, K.M., Luzardo-Ocampo, I., Lopez-Romero, J.M., Mendoza, S. and others (2022) 'Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) Ethanolic Extracts Displayed Antiproliferative Effects and Induced Caspase 3 Activity in Human HT29 and SW480 Cancer Cells', Pharmaceutics, 14(10), pp. 2069. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14102069 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102069
  11. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol. and V. phlomoides L., flos (Verbasci flos)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/verbasci-flos Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/verbasci-flos
  12. Oliff, H.S. and Blumenthal, M (2003) 'Great mullein', pp. 30--31. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Great%20mullein
  13. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  14. Turker, A.U. and Gurel, E (2005) 'Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research', 19(9), pp. 733--739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1653
  15. 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
  16. Lin, C.C. and Yang, C.C. and Phua, D.H. and Deng, J.F. and Lu, L.H (2010) 'An outbreak of foxglove leaf poisoning', Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, 73(2), pp. 97-100. doi:10.1016/S1726-4901(10)70009-5 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S1726-4901(10)70009-5
  17. Janssen, R.M. and Berg, M. and Ovakim, D.H (2016) 'Two cases of cardiac glycoside poisoning from accidental foxglove ingestion', CMAJ, 188(10), pp. 747-750. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150676 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150676
  18. Woodland Trust (2024) 'Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)'. Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/foxglove/ Traditional / reference
    https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/foxglove/
  19. NC State Extension (2024) 'Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbascum-thapsus/ Traditional / reference
    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbascum-thapsus/

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.