One of the Richest Sources of Isoflavones
Red clover, a wild plant used as grazing
food for cattle and other livestock, has
also been used medicinally to treat a wide
array of conditions. These have included cancer, mastitis
(inflammation of the breast), joint
disorders, jaundice, bronchitis, spasmodic
coughing, asthma, and skin inflammations,
such as psoriasis and eczema. Red clover is
thought to "purify" the blood by promoting
urine and mucous production, improving
circulation, and stimulating the secretion
of bile. Recently, specific chemicals in red
clover -- known as isoflavones -- have been
isolated and tested for their effectiveness
in treating a variety of conditions.
Although isolated isoflavone products are
very different from the whole herb, they
have shown promise in the treatment of a
number of conditions associated with
menopause, such as hot flashes,
cardiovascular health, and the bone loss
associated with osteoporosis.
Red clover is a source of many valuable
nutrients including calcium, chromium,
magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium,
thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also
considered to be one of the richest sources
of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that
act like estrogens and are found in many
plants).
Cardiovascular Health:
Menopause increases a woman's risk for
developing cardiovascular disease.
Supplementation with red clover isoflavones
has been associated with a sizeable increase
in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol in pre-
and postmenopausal women, leading some
researchers to believe that these
isoflavones may help protect against
cardiovascular disease. Other studies,
however, have refuted this finding.
Interestingly, one recent study found that
menopausal women taking red clover
supplements experienced a significant
improvement in arterial compliance (a
measure of the strength and resilience of
the arterial walls). Arterial compliance
diminishes during menopause and may increase
a woman's risk for heart disease.
Menopause:
While not all studies are thoroughly
convincing, several studies of a proprietary
extract of red clover isoflavones suggest
that it may significantly reduce hot flashes
in menopausal women.
Osteoporosis:
Menopause increases a woman's risk for
developing osteoporosis (significant bone
loss). Some studies suggest that a
proprietary extract of red clover
isoflavones may slow bone loss and even
boost bone mineral density in pre- and
perimenopausal women.
Cancer:
The
isoflavones isolated from red clover have
been studied for their effectiveness in
treating some forms of cancer. It is thought
that the isoflavones prevent the
proliferation of cancer cells and that they
may even destroy cancer cells. Laboratory
and animal studies have found that red
clover isoflavones may protect against the
growth of breast cancer cells. This is
surprising because estrogens (and
isoflavones have estrogenic properties) have
generally been thought to stimulate the
growth of breast cancer in women. Until
further research has been conducted and more
information is available, the use of red
clover isoflavones or other red clover
products should probably be avoided in women
with a history of breast cancer.
Other Uses:
Traditionally, red clover ointments have
been applied to the skin to treat conditions
such as psoriasis, eczema, and other rashes.
Red clover also has a history of use as a
cough remedy for children |