Last verified: today
Clover Leaf
Also known as: Red Clover, Trifolium pratense, red clover isoflavones, clover leaf extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Red clover leaf extract. Limited evidence it relieves menopause symptoms; most studies show minimal benefit.
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What it does
Clover leaf, most commonly sold as red clover (Trifolium pratense), is a plant whose leaves contain isoflavones — compounds that weakly mimic estrogen in the body. It is most often marketed to...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Clover leaf, most commonly sold as red clover (Trifolium pratense), is a plant whose leaves contain isoflavones — compounds that weakly mimic estrogen in the body. It is most often marketed to women going through menopause to reduce hot flashes and other symptoms. Based on the available review data, clinical trials on semipurified red clover isoflavone extracts have produced contradictory results, with the largest study showing no meaningful benefit over placebo for reducing menopause symptoms.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reliably reduce hot flashes — the biggest study found no benefit over placebo. Not a proven hormone replacement. No solid evidence it improves mood, bone density, or heart health based on available data. Don't expect consistent results across products — formulations vary widely.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May modestly reduce hot flash frequency in menopausal women, but evidence is contradictory.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Products vary widely in isoflavone content and dose, making it impossible to compare results across brands
- Women with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., estrogen-receptor-positive cancers) should consult a doctor before use due to estrogenic activity
- The majority of the indexed PubMed papers for this ingredient are unrelated to human health — the evidence base is extremely thin
- Over 1,000 supplement products are registered containing this ingredient despite very weak clinical evidence
Products Containing Clover Leaf
See how Clover Leaf is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25