Common names in 31 European languages →
The complete database record: 2 documented constituents, 10 pharmacological actions, 16 traditional / indicated uses, with 45 cited sources.
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]
Habitat & Distribution
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
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]
Key Constituents
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 expectorant action
more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
more plants for cancer (anticancer research) →detailed sources →
more plants for blood sugar / diabetes support →detailed sources →
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from vulnerary action
Traditional Use & History
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, 42]
Preparations
Dosage
Clinical research commonly uses around 40-80 mg isoflavones daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Herb-Drug Interactions
Harvest Readiness
[41]
[41]
External Identifiers
References & Sources
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Plants For A Future 'Trifolium pratense (Red Clover)'. Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+pratense Traditional / reference
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+pratense - 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
Selected studies & references
All 44 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.