Red Clover
OTHER NAME(S): cow clover, meadow clover, purple clover, red clover, Trifolium pratense, wild clover
Overview
Red clover is a plant called Trifolium pratense. Dietary supplements that contain red clover are made from its flowers. Red clover is often used to help with menopause symptoms and menopause-related health problems, but its benefits are not well defined. Although it appears to be well tolerated, there is not enough research to know what common side effects it may cause. Before taking red clover, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is red clover used for?
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is used to help manage menopause symptoms and certain health problems related to menopause, including high cholesterol and osteoporosis. But its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed red clover for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does red clover work (mechanism of action)?
Red clover is a plant called Trifolium pratense. Dietary supplements and teas that contain red clover are usually made from its flowers.
Certain chemicals found in red clover, called isoflavones, are similar to estrogen and are sometimes known as “phytoestrogens” (plant estrogens). These chemicals may be able to mimic some of the effects of estrogen in the body, which could help manage some of the health problems that come with menopause. Some studies show that taking red clover may help reduce menopause-related hot flashes by a small amount. But it is unclear if red clover can help with other symptoms. It is also not clear if red clover is helpful for increasing bone mass or reducing cholesterol levels after menopause.
Herbal products, such as red clover, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific red clover product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are taking.
How should I store red clover?
You should store red clover as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of red clover?
Red clover seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of red clover that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of red clover?
While less common, the most serious side effects of red clover are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Red clover may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking red clover and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use red clover?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take red clover.
- Meadow clover
- Red clover
- Trifolium pratense
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific red clover products they stock.
What should I know about red clover before taking it?
Red clover is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep red clover out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as red clover, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific red clover product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after harvesting. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Red clover is available in many different forms, including dried ground powder, teas, and capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
If you are using red clover powder, use an accurate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions on the label.
The FDA has not tested red clover products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before taking red clover?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if red clover is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Bleeding problems
- Hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
- Liver or kidney problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Red clover may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking red clover, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how red clover could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if red clover passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does red clover interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between red clover and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect red clover.
Does red clover interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking red clover.
- A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
- An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
- Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
- Hormone replacement therapy or any medicines that contain hormones, including certain types of birth control
The interactions between red clover and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with red clover is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking red clover with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much red clover?
If you or someone else has used too much red clover, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Red clover is available in a wide range of doses. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take red clover safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Advanced Journal of Emergency Medicine: “Coagulation disorder following Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) misuse: a case report.”
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “The effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.”
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Red Clover.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: “Red Clover.”
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Red Clover.”
- Nutrients: “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.”