

Red clover is considered generally safe and does not have any dangerous side effects for the majority of the population, although it can occasionally cause skin rashes, nausea, and headaches. On the other hand, avocado, olives (particularly olive oil), lucuma, and quinoa also help regulate cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health. Other herbs with estrogenic properties are aguaje, dong quai, ginseng and soybean, whereas maca, despite not having phytoestrogens, naturally stimulates the endocrine system, relieving the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Recent studies have also shown evidence that red clover extract can scale down the levels of total cholesterol in menopausal women, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. 2,3 Red clover extract has been shown to improve hair and skin health as well as boost libido, mood, sleep, and energy in postmenopausal women. The combined action of anthocyanins and isoflavones are a powerful aid in the treatment of common skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis as well as for protecting against the harmful effects of UV light on the skin and reducing sunburn inflammation. These reactions are not quite the same as true estrogen's would be, but they are still more beneficial than if nothing was bound to the receptors at all.Īnthocyanins are pigments with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Once attached, their presence in the cells mimic the effects of estrogen.

Isoflavones bind themselves to estrogen receptors found on certain cells throughout the body. Isoflavones are phytoestrogenic compounds, which have similar effects as estrogen in humans. However, the compounds responsible for red clover's newfound popularity are isoflavones, which occur in high levels in this herb. Red clover contains volatile oils (benzyl alcohol and methyl salicylate), coumarins, and cyanogenic glycosides. As recently as the 20th century, red clover was known as a "blood purifier."
