Red Clover
Benefits of Red Clover
- Hormonal balance
- Bones
- Where it's from: Native to Europe, West Asia and Northwest Africa
- Form: Extract
- Source: Plant
What is Red Clover?
Red Clover is a legume, like lentils and beans. It contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens: naturally occurring compounds in plants that have a similar structure to oestrogen.
What does the research say about Red Clover?
Red Clover has been studied in women going through the menopause. The menopause is a time when the body's production of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone falls. The phytoestrogens in plants like Red Clover can bind to the body's oestrogen receptors. Researchers have looked at phytoestrogens in a meta-analysis and systematic review of studies in menopausal women, and at Red Clover specifically in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Oestrogen also plays a part in maintaining bone, which is why bones get particular attention around the menopause. Researchers have studied the effect of isoflavones extracted from Red Clover on lipid and bone metabolism.
You may also enjoy watching our 'Watch: Menopause Roundtable with Sarah Parish', with real women discussing their experience, and reading '8 Unusual Signs of the Menopause'. Learn more in 'Why is bone health so important in menopause?'.
Why it's in MenoFriend® and PeriMenoFriend®
Red Clover has a high content of phytoestrogenic isoflavones which bind to the oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ). The phytoestrogens in red clover, specifically formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein act as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), meaning they can bind to oestrogen receptors in various tissues, mimicking oestrogen’s effects without fully activating oestrogen-dependent pathways. ERβ is found in tissues such as the brain, bones, heart, and vascular system. This selective action allows for symptom relief without the risks associated with oestrogen dominance in tissues like the breast and uterus.
Reduction of vasomotor symptoms: Red Clover works on the hypothalamus to regulate body temperature and helps stabilise the temperature fluctuations caused by oestrogen deficiency.
Bone health: Red Clover extract’s isoflavones help prevent bone loss by binding to oestrogen receptors in bone tissue and stimulating osteoblast activity, supporting the preservation of bone density and reducing the risk of fractures without the risks associated with HRT.1,2
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Vitamin D3
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Vitamin K2
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