Red Clover Dangers

Red clover is the subject of some serious study. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is researching red clover to better understand the plant's active components and their effect on the human body. Red clover traditionally has been used for treating coughs, menopausal symptoms, eczema and as an expectorant. However, according to the NIH, red clover can offer some relief of menopausal symptoms but no sufficient evidence is available of it being effective in treating any other health conditions.

Isoflavones

• Red clover tea is used for menopause.

  Red clover contains isoflavones, or plant-based chemicals that produce a similar effect on the body to estrogen. These phytoestrogen substances have shown no serious side effects in people taking them but may cause rash, nausea and headache. Whereas the effect on human reproduction is uncertain, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports animals that consumed large quantities of red clover have became infertile.

  Red clover isoflavone compounds are thought to ease hot flashes and improve blood circulation. According to UM Medical Center the studies of red clover isoflavones in treating menopausal conditions produced inconclusive results. (See reference 2)

Drug Interactions

• Red clover interacts with some drugs.

  The phytoestrogen isoflavone compounds in red clover can interact with some drugs and cause serious health risks. People taking anticoagulant drugs or estrogen hormone therapy should avoid red clover as the compounds in the plant can enhance the effect of the drug. Red clover also can interfere with drugs that are broken down by the liver.

  Wright State University Pharmacy reports that biochanin A and formononetin are the phytoestrogen compounds found in red clover. Red clover may interact with the commonly used drugs Allegra, Mevacor and Halcion.

Pregnant or Nursing Women

• Pregnant women should avoid red clover.

  Whereas red clover is generally considered safe, the National Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant women and nursing mothers avoid using it. The estrogen-like properties of red clover can disrupt the natural hormone balance of women who are pregnant or nursing.

  Animal studies of phytoestrogen from flax seeds and other plant sources indicate the possibility of abnormalities and possible cancer in the offspring. The Centers for Disease control also reports that high doses of phytoestrogen compounds such as the ones found in red clover can alter the fetal hormonal environment in the animals studied.