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Dr. Grey AI

Supplement

Red Clover Extract

Red clover extract comes from a clover plant rich in isoflavones, compounds the body converts into genistein and daidzein, which support estrogen balance. People mostly look at it for menopause symptoms, and the evidence is moderate: in one study of 189 women, anxiety symptoms eased. That finding rests on a single study, though, and a menopause trial of 53 people found no clear difference in apolipoprotein A, so the picture is thin.

Sources: PMID 19948385

Best evidence
Grade B
Conditions studied
13
Outcomes
102
Graded outcomes
01210

Evidence by condition

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

13 conditions

Menopause

Menopause: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anxiety Symptoms

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect1 study189 people

Studies that measured anxiety symptoms

Apolipoprotein A

No effect

NoneNo effect53 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies530 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

Menopausal SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies440 people

Studies that measured menopausal symptoms

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies295 people

Studies that measured weight

TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies205 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies521 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study173 people
HomocysteineImproves (the measure goes down)1 study23 people
Hot Flash SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)1 study561 people
MemoryImproves (the measure goes up)1 study28 people
Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study285 people
Skin QualityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study109 people
Arterial StiffnessImproves (the measure goes down)17 people
Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)109 people
Dry Eye SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)109 people
EstrogenChanges; see studies248 people
Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)242 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)43 people
Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)28 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies43 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)493 people
Luteinizing HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)162 people
OsteocalcinImproves (the measure goes up)252 people
Serum FolateImproves (the measure goes up)23 people
Sleep QualityImproves (the measure goes up)109 people
Subjective Well-BeingImproves (the measure goes up)181 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)493 people

Depression

Depression: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anxiety Symptoms

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect1 study109 people

Studies that measured anxiety symptoms

Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)109 people

Dyslipidemia

  • Apolipoprotein B: improves
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Dyslipidemia: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein B

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect50 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies50 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

Bone Health

  • Bone Mineral Density
  • Weight: improves
  • Osteocalcin: improves
Bone Health: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Bone Mineral Density

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study805 people

Studies that measured bone mineral density

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies177 people

Studies that measured weight

OsteocalcinImproves (the measure goes up)252 people

General Cardiovascular Health

  • Apolipoprotein A
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
  • Weight: improves
General Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein A

No effect

NoneNo effect31 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies264 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies16 people

Studies that measured weight

IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies23 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies665 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study290 people
HomocysteineImproves (the measure goes down)1 study23 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1Improves (the measure goes up)1 study177 people
Arterial StiffnessImproves (the measure goes down)97 people
Blood FlowImproves (the measure goes up)96 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)47 people
Cell Adhesion FactorsImproves (the measure goes down)80 people
FibrinogenImproves (the measure goes up)193 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)31 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)16 people
IGF Binding ProteinImproves (the measure goes up)23 people
InsulinChanges; see studies47 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)241 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersImproves (the measure goes down)23 people
Serum FolateImproves (the measure goes up)23 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)264 people

High Cholesterol

  • Apolipoprotein A
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
  • Weight: improves
High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein A

No effect

NoneNo effect106 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies304 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies171 people

Studies that measured weight

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies357 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study75 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)357 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)304 people

Colorectal Cancer

  • Estrogen
  • IGF-1: improves
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: improves
Colorectal Cancer: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Estrogen

No effect

NoneNo effect34 people
IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies71 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study34 people

Studies that measured sex hormone binding globulin

IGF Binding ProteinImproves (the measure goes up)71 people

Metabolic Health

  • Apolipoprotein A
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
  • Testosterone: improves
Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein A

No effect

NoneNo effect31 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies31 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies43 people

Studies that measured testosterone

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies31 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study43 people

Studies that measured sex hormone binding globulin

Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)31 people
EstrogenChanges; see studies43 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)74 people
InsulinChanges; see studies31 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)31 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)31 people

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Blood Flow
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
  • Weight: improves
Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Flow

No effect

NoneNo effect16 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies16 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies16 people

Studies that measured weight

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies16 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study16 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)16 people
FibrinogenImproves (the measure goes up)16 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)16 people
InsulinChanges; see studies16 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)16 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)16 people

Breast Cancer

  • Breast Density
  • Menopausal Symptoms: improves
  • Hot Flash Symptoms: improves
Breast Cancer: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Breast Density

No effect

NoneNo effect177 people
Menopausal SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies177 people

Studies that measured menopausal symptoms

Hot Flash SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)1 study177 people

Studies that measured hot flash symptoms

EstrogenChanges; see studies177 people
Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)177 people
Luteinizing HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)177 people

Cognitive Improvement

  • Attention
  • Blood Pressure: improves
  • Memory: improves
Cognitive Improvement: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Attention

No effect

NoneNo effect28 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study28 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

MemoryImproves (the measure goes up)1 study28 people

Studies that measured memory

Sexual Health

  • Breast Density
  • Total cholesterol: improves
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: improves
Sexual Health: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Breast Density

No effect

NoneNo effect401 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies401 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)401 people

Sexual Dysfunction

  • Sexual Function: improves
Sexual Dysfunction: outcomes studied for Red Clover Extract
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Sexual FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)1 study176 people

Key findings

  • Anxiety SymptomsMenopauseImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Apolipoprotein BDyslipidemiaImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Bone Mineral DensityBone Health

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Third-party tested Red Clover Extract products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

  • Grade B

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Studies cited

33 studies from PubMed

  1. Safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover for the management of vasomotor symptoms: a randomized controlled trialMenopause · PMID 19609225
  2. No effect of red clover-derived isoflavone intervention on the insulin-like growth factor system in women at increased risk of colorectal cancerCancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev · PMID 18842999
  3. Isolated isoflavones do not affect the circulating insulin-like growth factor system in men at increased colorectal cancer riskJ Nutr · PMID 17237315
  4. Red-clover-derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial ISRCTN42940165Breast Cancer Res · PMID 15084240
  5. Modest protective effects of isoflavones from a red clover-derived dietary supplement on cardiovascular disease risk factors in perimenopausal women, and evidence of an interaction with ApoE genotype in 49-65 year-old womenJ Nutr · PMID 15226466
  6. Effects of supplementation with purified red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on plasma lipids and insulin resistance in healthy premenopausal womenBr J Nutr · PMID 12654164
  7. Effect of red clover-derived isoflavone supplementation on insulin-like growth factor, lipid and antioxidant status in healthy female volunteers: a pilot studyEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 14679383
  8. Effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on ambulatory blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2 diabetesDiabetes Obes Metab · PMID 12940870
  9. Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal womenJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 10084567
  10. Isoflavones reduce arterial stiffness: a placebo-controlled study in men and postmenopausal womenArterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol · PMID 12714433
  11. Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancerMenopause Int · PMID 18380954
  12. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones and serum homocysteine in premenopausal women: a pilot studyJ Womens Health · PMID 19951216
  13. Effect of oral phytoestrogen on androgenicity and insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal womenDiabetes Obes Metab · PMID 22077482
  14. The effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on cognitive function in postmenopausal womenClimacteric · PMID 15259285
  15. Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal WomenObstet Gynecol Int · PMID 22135679
  16. The effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on the lipoprotein profiles of post menopausal women with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemiaAtherosclerosis · PMID 10996349
  17. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of an isoflavone supplement and menopausal symptoms in womenClimacteric · PMID 11910672
  18. The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 16373244
  19. Influence of red clover-derived isoflavones on serum lipid profile in postmenopausal womenJ Obstet Gynaecol Res · PMID 20144173
  20. Effects of a red clover extract (MF11RCE) on endometrium and sex hormones in postmenopausal womenMaturitas · PMID 16513301
  21. The effect of Promensil, an isoflavone extract, on menopausal symptomsClimacteric · PMID 11910671
  22. The effect of red clover isoflavone supplementation over vasomotor and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal womenGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 21870906
  23. Effects of Trifolium pratense on the climacteric and sexual symptoms in postmenopause womenRev Assoc Med Bras · PMID 21152828
  24. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placeboMaturitas · PMID 12161042
  25. The effects of red clover on quality of life in post-menopausal womenIran J Nurs Midwifery Res · PMID 23493172
  26. Effect of isoflavones on lipids and bone turnover markers in menopausal womenMaturitas · PMID 15207886
  27. Improvement of postmenopausal depressive and anxiety symptoms after treatment with isoflavones derived from red clover extractsMaturitas · PMID 19948385
  28. Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trialJAMA · PMID 12851275
  29. Effect of Trifolium pratense-derived isoflavones on the lipid profile of postmenopausal women with increased body mass indexGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 19031218
  30. A biochanin-enriched isoflavone from red clover lowers LDL cholesterol in menEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 14985677
  31. The effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 14749241
  32. The effect of isoflavones extracted from red clover (Rimostil) on lipid and bone metabolismMenopause · PMID 11449083
  33. Beneficial effects of natural products on female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytomedicine · PMID 34638031

Protocols that include Red Clover Extract