Overview

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a flowering plant that grows 15-40 cm high. It's eaten as a legume and used in supplements marketed for female health.

Red clover contains chemicals called phytoestrogens that are similar to the hormone estrogen. It grows in many areas, including Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa.

People commonly use red clover for symptoms of menopause, weak and brittle bones, breast pain, male-pattern baldness, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Don't confuse red clover with sweet clover. They are different plants.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Red Clover overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Red clover is commonly consumed in foods. Red clover products contain chemicals called isoflavones. It is possibly safe to take red clover in doses that provide up to 80 mg of isoflavones daily for up to 2 years. It's usually well-tolerated, but might cause muscle aches, nausea, and vaginal bleeding (spotting) in some people.

When applied to the skin: Red clover is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Red clover is commonly consumed in foods. Red clover products contain chemicals called isoflavones. It is possibly safe to take red clover in doses that provide up to 80 mg of isoflavones daily for up to 2 years. It's usually well-tolerated, but might cause muscle aches, nausea, and vaginal bleeding (spotting) in some people.

When applied to the skin: Red clover is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Red clover is commonly consumed in foods. But it's possibly unsafe when used in medicinal amounts. Red clover might act like estrogen, which could affect hormone balances during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Don't use it.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Red clover might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, don't use red clover.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Estrogens interacts with Red Clover

    Large amounts of red clover might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking red clover along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogen.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Red Clover

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Red clover might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Red Clover

    Red clover might slow blood clotting. Taking red clover along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with Red Clover

    Red clover might decrease the effects of tamoxifen. Do not take red clover if you are taking tamoxifen.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall, others) interacts with Red Clover

    Red clover might increase levels of methotrexate in the body. This might increase side effects from methotrexate such as vomiting and stomach pain.

  • Caffeine interacts with Red Clover

    Red clover contains the chemical genistein. Genistein might slow down how quickly the body gets rid of caffeine. But red clover doesn't seem to have enough of this ingredient to actually increase the effects of caffeine.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Red Clover

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Red clover might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Red Clover

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Red clover might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Red Clover

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Red clover might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Red clover has most often been used by adults in doses of 40-80 mg by mouth daily for up to one year. Keep in mind that doses vary depending on the specific product used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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