Introduction:
Red clover is a wild perennial found growing in temperate areas around the world also known as wild clover, purple clover, trefoil, and by the scientific name, Trifolium pratense. It has mainly been promoted for use in cancer, menopausal symptoms and cholesterol. It has been determined to have isoflavones and phytoestrogens which may interact with estrogen receptors.
Red clover and the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society evaluated the few available clinical trials done regarding treatment with red clover for menopausal symptoms, prostate cancer, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hypertrophy and osteoporosis. The view of the American Cancer Society is that further research is necessary before red clover would be recommended for use of any of the health conditions mentioned.
Red clover adverse effects:
Red clover may increase bleeding risk by potentiating warfarin (Coumadin) and patients should not take red clover with blood thinning agents (2). Due to effect of red clover isoflavones upon estrogen receptors, patients with estrogen receptor positive tumors should avoid this agent. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take red clover. Avoid use of red clover if allergic to this plant family and within 2 weeks of surgical procedures. The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that any homeopathic and herbal medicines which do not have established pharmacological data be discontinued two to three weeks prior to any surgery.
Summary and Conclusion: Red Clover
- Red clover contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens which may interact with estrogen receptors.
- The view of the American Cancer Society is that further research is necessary before red clover would be recommended for use of any of the health conditions mentioned.
- Red clover adverse effects:
- Red clover may increase bleeding risk by potentiating warfarin (Coumadin) and patients should not take red clover with blood thinning agents (2).
- Due to effect of red clover isoflavones upon estrogen receptors, patients with estrogen receptor positive tumors should avoid this agent.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take red clover.
- Avoid use of red clover if allergic to this plant family and within 2 weeks of surgical procedures.
- The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that any homeopathic and herbal medicines which do not have established pharmacological data be discontinued two to three weeks prior to any surgery.
References:
1.Red Clover. American Cancer Society. Nov 28, 2008. Accessed Aug 23, 2014. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/red-clover
2.Argento, A., Tiraferri, E., and Marzaloni, M. Oral anticoagulants and medicinal plants. An emerging interaction. Ann.Ital.Med Int 2000;15(2):139-143. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10920504
3.Leak JA. Herbal medicines: what do we need to know? Internet J Anesthesiol 2000;4(3).
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