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Red Clover Extract

Botanicalwomen's healthModerate dose evidence

Also known as: Trifolium pratense extract, red clover isoflavones, Promensil (branded extract)

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Red clover is a legume whose flowering tops contain the isoflavones biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein. Extracts are standardized to total isoflavones, with 40 mg per day being the most common study dose. It is used in menopause-support products, frequently alongside black cohosh, and in some bone and cardiovascular formulas for women. Meta-analyses of randomized trials have examined its effects on hot flushes and lipid profiles in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Research summary

Isoflavones act as weak phytoestrogens studied for selective binding to estrogen receptor beta.

Women's hormonesBoneHeart

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
40 mg40–80 mg——

Dose is expressed as mg total isoflavones; a 500 mg extract at 8% isoflavones supplies 40 mg. 40 to 80 mg per day was used in trials, with effects assessed over 12 weeks or more.

Standardization: Extract standardized to 8% isoflavones; dose expressed as mg isoflavones

Source material: flowering top extract

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Low dose is tablet-friendly.

Formulation notes

Phytoestrogen; flag for review alongside other isoflavone sources such as soy so total isoflavones are tracked.

Sources

  1. Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (Kanadys W 2021)PubMed
  2. Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis. (Kanadys W 2020)PubMed

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