Intake of Novel Red Clover Supplementation for 12 Weeks Improves Bone Status in Healthy Menopausal Women

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the effect by which daily consumption of a novel red clover (RC) extract influences bone health, inflammatory status, and cardiovascular health in healthy menopausal women. Design. A 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 menopausal women receiving a daily dose of 150 mL RC extract containing 37.1 mg isoflavones (33.8 mg as aglycones) or placebo. Methods. Bone parameters were changes in bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and T-score at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Bone turnover (CTx) and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma and finally blood pressure (BP) was evaluated. Results. RC extract had positive effect on bone health, and only the women receiving the placebo experienced a decline in BMD (p < 0.01) at the lumbar spine. T-score at the lumbar spine only decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.01). CTx decreased in the RC group with −9.94 (±4.93)%, although not significant. Conclusion. Daily consumption of RC extract over a 12-week period was found to have a beneficial effect on bone health in menopausal women based on BMD and T-score at the lumbar spine and plasma CTx levels. No changes in BP or inflammation markers were found and no side effects were observed.

Trifolium species – the latest findings on chemical profile, ethnomedicinal use and pharmacological properties

“…The study participants received a placebo or 150 ml/day of a novel T. pratense extract, containing 37.1 mg of isoflavones (33.8 mg as aglycones). The extract had positive effect on bone health, without side effects . Contrary to the previously mentioned and very encouraging data, results of clinical investigation (a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study) of Rimostil ® (red clover‐derived isoflavones, 50 mg/day) actions demonstrated no beneficial effects on bone mineral density.…”

“…The extract had positive effect on bone health, without side effects . Contrary to the previously mentioned and very encouraging data, results of clinical investigation (a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study) of Rimostil ® (red clover‐derived isoflavones, 50 mg/day) actions demonstrated no beneficial effects on bone mineral density. On the other hand, administration of the examined supplement lowered the level of serum LDL cholesterol, which may be assumed as unexpected, but positive outcome of the examined therapy …”

Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women’s Health

“…Different studies have also analyzed red clover products for prevention of osteoporosis. A patented aqueous and fermented red clover extract standardized to 37.1 mg isoflavones per day or a placebo solution were administered to women suffering from menopausal symptoms in a 3-month, randomized, double-blind and parallel designed trial ( Thorup et al, 2015 ). A significant decline in the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (lower back) in the placebo group but not in the red clover group was observed, suggesting a positive effect on bone health by the red clover extract.…”

The Vascular Effects of Isolated Isoflavones—A Focus on the Determinants of Blood Pressure Regulation

“…The concentration of formononetin and biochanin A is sufficiently low in these sources to prevent reaching physiologically relevant levels through dietary intake. As such, these isoflavones are employed in studies mainly as extracts or as isolated compounds [ 13 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Some of these compounds are metabolized by mammals to equol, an isoflavan that is not naturally occurring and therefore not considered a phytoestrogen, despite also possessing important biological effects [ 35 ].…”