Red clover has been shown to be potentially helpful for Hypercholesterolemia. Potentially helping to reduce total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Further studies are necessary.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Research suggests that red clover isoflavones might improve symptoms of BPH. It seems to decrease nocturnal urinary frequency, international prostate symptom scores (IPSS), and to improve the quality of life in men with BPH.
Osteoporosis. Red clover extract may help to increase bone mineral density (BMD) or bone mineral content (BMC).
The part used of red clover is the flower top. Red clover contains isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens which are structurally similar to estrogens. Isoflavones have a higher affinity for the beta estrogen receptor than the classical alpha estrogen receptor.
The beta estrogen receptor predominates in the heart, vasculature, bone and bladder, which may account for some of Red Clover's beneficial effects. Red Clover is thought to be beneficial for preventing osteoporosis due to its weak estrogenic effects. Dietary phytoestrogens are associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer.
In cholesterol lowering treatment the estrogenic effects of red clover isoflavones might be involved in modulating lipid metabolism. Some researchers think Red Clover may play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease due to its potential effects on cholesterol levels.
Red Clover may be beneficial in cough, bronchitis, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, chronic skin diseases, menopausal symptoms in women, improving cardiovascular risk factors (cholesterol levels, arterial compliance) and maintaining bone density (by reducing bone loss).