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Red clover isoflavone extract reduces the daily frequency of hot flushes in peri- and postmenopausal women, particularly at doses ≥80 mg/day over 12 weeks.
According to the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) extract (a natural source of plant-based isoflavones) may minimize hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women.
Wiesław Kanadys and other researchers carried out an extensive literature search using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Library, identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that determined the clinical benefits of red clover isoflavones. Each study was rigorously assessed for quality via Cochrane criteria to ascertain the reliability of evidence.
The meta-analysis combined data from 8 clinical trials (10 comparisons) and revealed a remarkable reduction in the frequency of daily hot flushes among women treated with red clover extract compared with placebo. The pooled analysis exhibited a weighted mean difference (WMD) of −1.73 hot flushes per day (95% confidence interval: −3.28 to −0.18), illustrating measurable symptom relief.
Further subgroup analysis indicated that the greatest improvement occurred in postmenopausal women who experienced 5 or more hot flushes per day, especially when the intervention lasted 12 weeks or longer, and the daily isoflavone dose was at least 80 mg. Formulations containing a higher proportion of biochanin A, one of the principal active compounds in red clover, were linked to stronger effects.
Although the overall findings were encouraging, the review also noted moderate heterogeneity (87.34%) across studies, highlighting variability in study design, subject characteristics, and supplement formulations. Consequently, the authors emphasized that while red clover extract portrays clinically meaningful potential as a non-hormonal therapy for menopausal symptom relief, more robust and standardized trials are required to validate these results and define optimal treatment parameters.
In conclusion, this analysis supports the growing evidence that red clover isoflavone extract can moderately but substantially minimize menopausal hot flushes, offering a natural and well-tolerated alternative for women who prefer to avoid hormone therapy. Continued research will be fundamental to confirm these benefits and better comprehend its role in menopausal care.
Nutrients
Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Wiesław Kanadys et al.
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