|
RED CLOVER
A member of the pea family, Red Clover (Tnfohum
pratense) is commonly found on
meadows, lawns and on grass verges. It is one of the world's oldest
agricultural crops, widely cultivated as a fodder crop for cattle,
horses and sheep. In folklore the leaves were used to ward off evil
and as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Medicinally, Red Clover has
been used on the three continents of Europe, Asia and America for
many generations for coughs, skin complaints, asthma and as a
diuretic (water tablet). It is also known as a blood cleanser. More
recent scientific investigation has been centred on the four
phytoestrogens in Red Clover, genistein, daidzein, biochanin A and
formononetin and their benefits during the menopause.
The Benefits of Red Clover
Hot flushes
- women taking 40 milligrams of Red Clover isoflavones daily for 16
weeks found a 50% reduction in the number of hot flushes experienced
and a 47% reduction in their severity.
Osteoporosis
- in a study of 107 women who were approaching and going through the
menopause, a 49% reduction in the loss of bone minerals was
demonstrated.
Circulation health in menopausal women - an improvement in
heart health, protection against narrowing of the arteries and a
reduction in cholesterol levels have been demonstrated in menopausal
women. This is thought to be due to the anti-oxidant and oestrogenic
properties of Red Clover. The condition of arteries deteriorates in
postmenopausal women. In trials, taking a Red Clover extract daily
helped maintain healthy arteries.
Prostate Health - Red Clover is used to aid urine flow and to
help relieve irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract. Men
in countries with a high isoflavone content diet have better
prostate health. It has been speculated that this is due to an
influence on testosterone metabolism and a reduction in cell
division and growth.
Properties
Isoflavones
- Red Clover contains 4 isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, biochanin
A and formononetin. Isoflavones are compounds of plant origin which
belong to a group with mild oestrogen like characteristics known as
phytoestrogens.
In the body oestrogen initiates processes by
attaching to specific receptor sites. This has
been compared to a key fitting into the correct lock and opening a
door. Isoflavones attach to the same receptors, but have a weaker
effect i.e. the door does not fully open. The end result is that
when too much oestrogen is present, isoflavones block the receptors
preventing excess activity and when it is low or absent, they exert
a mild hormonal effect providing
activity
where there would otherwise be little or none.
Genistein, daidzein and biochanin A also have documented
anti-oxidant properties and may also help prevent atherosclerosis
(furring of the arteries) and osteoporosis.
Other properties - Red Clover has anti-spasmodic and
expectorant effects and is thought to promote skin healing.
Contra-indications / Precautions
Should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women and by those
taking anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin,
|
