What is Red Clover Extract?

Identification

• Red clover plants grow between 0.5 and 24 inches tall. They have oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips; each leaf has a distinctive, light-green v-shaped mark. The hairy stems end in several bracts, or modified leaves, topped by rounded clusters of purplish-pink blossoms. According to the Illinois Wildflowers Info website, red clover has a pleasant, honey-like aroma.

Benefits

• Red clover contains hormones called isoflavones that act like the female hormone estrogen. It also contains nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin C. Red clover extract is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. It is also used as an herbal remedy for osteoporosis, prostate enlargement and high cholesterol, and can be applied to the skin to treat rashes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Effects

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, red clover may have negative effects on women because of its high level of phytoestrogens, or estrogen-like compounds, and may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. More studies are necessary to evaluate the safety of red clover extract. The website advises patients to talk to their physicians before using red clover.