Red Clover Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Red Clover Extract (Trifolium pratense) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,820 participants, researched for Menopause Symptoms, Cardiovascular Health, Bone Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Menopause Symptoms
StrongCardiovascular Health
StrongBone Health
ModerateBreast & Prostate Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Menopause Symptoms
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavone extract on menopausal hot flushes and quality of life
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavone extract on menopausal hot flushes and quality of life
Dose
80 mg red clover isoflavones daily (Promensil)
Participants
252 postmenopausal women
Duration
3 months
Results
Red Clover isoflavone extract significantly reduced hot flush frequency (−44% vs −18% placebo) and improved Greene Climacteric Scale scores. Quality of life improved significantly. No endometrial stimulation observed.
How They Measured It
Hot flush frequency and severity, Greene Climacteric Scale, MENQOL, serum FSH/LH
To evaluate the efficacy of Red Clover isoflavones in reducing menopausal hot flushes
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Red Clover isoflavones in reducing menopausal hot flushes
Dose
Red Clover extract formulations (40-160 mg isoflavones/day)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (n=664)
Duration
Various
Results
Red Clover isoflavone supplementation significantly reduced hot flush frequency (pooled WMD: −2.4 per day vs placebo). Formulations with higher Formononetin and Biochanin A content showed greater efficacy.
How They Measured It
Meta-analysis of hot flush frequency from RCTs
To evaluate Red Clover for psychological symptoms and sleep in perimenopause
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Red Clover for psychological symptoms and sleep in perimenopause
Dose
Red Clover extract 80 mg isoflavones daily
Participants
120 perimenopausal women with psychological symptoms
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Red Clover extract significantly improved psychological MENQOL subscale scores, reduced anxiety (STAI), improved sleep quality (PSQI), and modulated the cortisol awakening response compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
MENQOL psychological subscale, PSQI, STAI, salivary cortisol
Cardiovascular Health
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavones on arterial compliance and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavones on arterial compliance and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women
Dose
Red Clover extract 40 mg twice daily (80 mg total)
Participants
60 postmenopausal women
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Red Clover extract significantly improved arterial compliance (+16%), reduced LDL cholesterol (−9%), and lowered homocysteine and CRP. Effects persisted 3 months after cessation. Cardiovascular benefits attributed to isoflavone content.
How They Measured It
Arterial compliance (CVprofilor), lipid panel, homocysteine, CRP, fibrinogen
To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of Red Clover isoflavones in clinical trials
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of Red Clover isoflavones in clinical trials
Dose
Red Clover extract formulations
Participants
Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (n=576)
Duration
Various
Results
Red Clover isoflavones significantly improved arterial compliance, modestly reduced LDL and total cholesterol, and lowered CRP in postmenopausal women. Benefits on blood pressure were less consistent. Short-term safety confirmed.
How They Measured It
Systematic review and meta-analysis of lipid, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness outcomes
Bone Health
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavones on bone mineral density and turnover markers in postmenopausal women
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavones on bone mineral density and turnover markers in postmenopausal women
Dose
Red Clover extract 57.2 mg isoflavones daily (Rimostil)
Participants
205 postmenopausal women
Duration
24 months
Results
Red Clover isoflavone extract significantly reduced bone resorption marker CTX and prevented bone loss at the proximal radius compared to placebo. Spine and hip BMD trends were favorable but not significant.
How They Measured It
DXA scan, CTX (bone resorption), P1NP (bone formation), serum calcium, urinary calcium
Breast & Prostate Health
To evaluate the effects of Red Clover isoflavones on breast tissue density and cell proliferation
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of Red Clover isoflavones on breast tissue density and cell proliferation
Dose
40 mg Red Clover isoflavones daily
Participants
40 women scheduled for breast biopsy
Duration
14 days pre-biopsy
Results
Red Clover isoflavones did not increase mammographic density or breast cell proliferation (Ki67/PCNA). Estrogen receptor activity in normal breast tissue was not significantly altered, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
How They Measured It
Mammographic density, breast cell Ki67 (proliferation marker), PCNA, estrogen receptor activity
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavones on PSA and urinary symptoms in men with BPH
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Red Clover isoflavones on PSA and urinary symptoms in men with BPH
Dose
160 mg Red Clover isoflavones daily
Participants
120 men with BPH
Duration
6 months
Results
Red Clover isoflavone supplementation significantly reduced PSA velocity, modestly reduced prostate volume, and improved IPSS symptom score. DHT levels were significantly reduced. Total testosterone was unchanged.
How They Measured It
PSA level, PSA velocity, IPSS, prostate volume, serum androgens
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Red Clover Extract research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Red Clover Extract (Trifolium pratense), involving 1,820 total participants. Research covers Menopause symptoms, Cardiovascular health, Bone health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Red Clover Extract has been researched for: Menopause symptoms, Cardiovascular health, Bone health, Breast & prostate health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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