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Rc8.0
Red Clover Research
Likely helpsModerate safety
40 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Red Clover appears to help in 12 of 14 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2004–2026 with a typical study size of 120 participants.
Based on 40 studies · 26 meta-analyses · 7 RCTs · 18,262 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
12helped2unclear· 26 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Women's healthMay help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes · 4-8 weeks · Supports healthy estrogen metabolism and hormonal equilibrium · 4-8 weeks
Likely helps37 studies
Cholesterol & lipids
Likely helps8 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Likely helps7 studies
Bone healthSupports bone mineral density and skeletal strength · 8-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational6 studies
Heart & blood pressure
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
InflammationImproved lipid profile and arterial health · 8-12 weeks
Depression & moodReduced menopausal symptoms like hot flashes · 4-12 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 39 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
56%
across studies
People studied
18k
typical study: 120 people
Strongest designs
33
26 pooled, 7 randomised
Showed benefit
86%
12/14 studies
How long studies ran
1–3 months
2
3+ months
2
Populations Studied
Postmenopausal women9
Menopausal women8
Men2
General population2
Active research area
29 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2025
200420152026
1PCOS symptoms improvementMeta-AnalysisCited 2×n=5,501 · very large study2025
Chromium, inositol, and Omega-3 were found to be beneficial for improving lipid profile.
Zhao G et al. · Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E (2025)
Inositol significantly decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while curcumin was most effective in improving low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Chromium, inositol, and Omega-3 were found to be beneficial for improving lipid profile.
For improving obesity, sex hormone levels, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators of PCOS patients, carnitine, chromium, and soy isoflavones are effective options, respectively.
2Male reproductive hormonesMeta-AnalysisCited 41×n=752 · large study2021
Sub-analysis of the data according to isoflavone dose and study duration also showed no effect.
Reed KE et al. · Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) (2021)
Sub-analysis of the data according to isoflavone dose and study duration also showed no effect.
This updated and expanded meta-analysis indicates that regardless of dose and study duration, neither soy protein nor isoflavone exposure affects TT, FT, E2 or E1 levels in men.
Wang Y et al. · Journal of the science of food and agriculture (2021)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
The results showed that isoflavone intake might be a protective factor to GC, but the result was not statistically significant (RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.79-1.07).
However, total soybean intake could significantly decrease the risk of GC by 36% (RR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.51-0.80), which might be credited to non-fermented soybean products (RR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.71-0.87).
In contrast, high intake of fermented soybean products could increase the risk of GC (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02-1.38).
4Bone turnover markersMeta-AnalysisCited 3×n=73 · small study2024
This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the potential of isoflavone interventions to rectify imbalances in bone remodeling, enhance bone mineral homeostasis, and optimize hormones regulating bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.
Inpan R et al. · Archives of osteoporosis (2024)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Hormones involved in regulating bone metabolism, particularly insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), exhibited significant increases following isoflavone interventions (MD = 9.8163 ng/mL; P < 0.0001).
This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the potential of isoflavone interventions to rectify imbalances in bone remodeling, enhance bone mineral homeostasis, and optimize hormones regulating bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.
5Bone mineral densityMeta-AnalysisCited 11×n=63 · small study2024
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that isoflavone interventions, especially those containing genistein of at least 50 mg/day, can effectively enhance BMD in postmenopausal women.
Inpan R et al. · Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA (2024)
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that isoflavone interventions, especially those containing genistein of at least 50 mg/day, can effectively enhance BMD in postmenopausal women.
6CHD risk reductionMeta-AnalysisCited 9×n=471 · medium study2022
The present results indicate that dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables abundant five flavonoid subclasses, namely anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavones and isoflavones, are associated with a lower risk of CHD.
Fan ZK et al. · The British journal of nutrition (2022)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Multivariate-adjust relative risks (RR) with corresponding 95 % CI were pooled by using a random-effects model.
Dose-response analysis showed that increment of 50 mg/d anthocyanins, 100 mg/d proanthocyanidins, 25 mg/d flavonols, 5 mg/d flavones and 0·5 mg/d isoflavones were associated with 5 % reduction in CHD risk, respectively.
Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used to further support these associations.
8Cholesterol levelsMeta-AnalysisCited 26×n=208 · medium study2013
We found no evidence for effects of isoflavones on patient-important outcomes or lowering of cholesterol levels in people with hypercholesterolaemia.
Qin Y et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2013)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
There was a slight significant effect on triglycerides in favour of isoflavones when compared with placebo (mean difference (MD) -0.46 mmol/L (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.84 to -0.09; P = 0.02; 52 participants; 2 trials).
No statistically significant effects on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were shown in favour of isoflavones.
We found no evidence for effects of isoflavones on patient-important outcomes or lowering of cholesterol levels in people with hypercholesterolaemia.
9Cancer-specific mortality and recurrenceMeta-AnalysisCited 15×2024
Soy, enterolactone, and green tea demonstrated significant risk reductions in outcomes following breast cancer.
van Die MD et al. · JNCI cancer spectrum (2024)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Soy protein and products were inversely associated with cancer-specific mortality for estrogen receptor-positive disease (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.92).
An inverse association was observed for serum or plasma enterolactone, measured prediagnosis and early postdiagnosis, with cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.90) and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.83).
There was a 44% reduced risk of recurrence with prediagnostic green tea for stage I and II breast cancer (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.83).
10Menopausal symptoms and quality of lifeMeta-AnalysisCited 5×2024
According to the results of the analysis, soy isoflavones had no effect on menopausal symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual, and urogenital complaints) and quality of life in climacteric women but did reduce the level of depression.
Gençtürk N et al. · Explore (New York, N.Y.) (2024)
According to the results of the analysis, soy isoflavones had no effect on menopausal symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual, and urogenital complaints) and quality of life in climacteric women but did reduce the level of depression.
There was a high risk of conflict of interest in the included studies.
11IL-6 reduction with whey proteinMeta-AnalysisCited 45×2023
These data support that whey and soy protein supplementation elicit anti-inflammatory effects by reducing circulating IL-6 and TNF-α levels, respectively.
Prokopidis K et al. · The British journal of nutrition (2023)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
A significant reduction of circulating IL-6 levels following whey protein [Mean Difference (MD): -0·79, 95 % CI: -1·15, -0·42, I2 = 96 %] and TNF-α levels following soy protein supplementation (MD: -0·16, 95 % CI: -0·26, -0·05, I2 = 68 %) was observed.
The addition of soy isoflavones exerted a further decline in circulating TNF-α levels (MD: -0·20, 95 % CI: -0·31, -0·08, I2 = 34 %).
According to subgroup analysis, whey protein led to a statistically significant decrease in circulating IL-6 levels in individuals with sarcopenia and pre-frailty (MD: -0·98, 95 % CI: -1·56, -0·39, I2 = 0 %).
Isoflavone consumption resulted in a significant reduction in triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations (-12.50 mg/dL; 95% CI: -23.09, -1.91) and a modest increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol...
Yang S et al. · Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2023)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Isoflavone consumption resulted in a significant reduction in triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations (-12.50 mg/dL; 95% CI: -23.09, -1.91) and a modest increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) concentrations (1.83 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.03, 3.64).
Subgroup analysis showed that isoflavones significantly decreased TG (-15.79 mg/dL; 95% CI: -28.36, -3.22) and increased HDL cholesterol (2.49 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.80, 3.19) in postmenopausal females under 65 y old.
Longer treatment duration (≥24 wk) was associated with a significant reduction in TG, whereas HDL cholesterol improvement occurred during the early period (<24 wk) of supplementation.
13Lipid profile in cardiovascular disease preventionMeta-AnalysisCited 12×2022
This meta-analysis provides evidence that consuming flaxseed, soy and red clover can have a beneficial effect on lipids in postmenopausal women and suggest a favorable effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Błaszczuk A et al. · Nutrients (2022)
The effect of soy protein on the lipid profile showed a significant decrease in TC levels: WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25-0.05; p = 0.0048, LDL-C levels: WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25-0.05; p = 0.0067, as well as a significant increase in HDL-C levels: WMD = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.08; p = 0.0034.
Changes in the lipid profile showed a significant reduction in TC levels after the use of red clover (WMD = -0.11; 95% CI: -0.18--0.04; p = 0.0017) and a significant increase in HDL-C levels (WMD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.07; p = 0.0165).
This meta-analysis provides evidence that consuming flaxseed, soy and red clover can have a beneficial effect on lipids in postmenopausal women and suggest a favorable effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm the present findings and to finally determine the effects of red clover on the relief of flushing episodes.
Kanadys W et al. · Nutrients (2021)
The meta-analysis of included studies assessing the effect of red clover isoflavone extract on menopausal symptoms showed a statistically moderate relationship with the reduction in the daily frequency of hot flushes.
However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm the present findings and to finally determine the effects of red clover on the relief of flushing episodes.
Our results suggests that soy and its isoflavones can be effective in correction changes in lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women and may favorably influence in preventing cardiovascular events.
Barańska A et al. · Nutrients (2021)
Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to assess the modifiers of treatment response.
In total, in the analysis studies, 2305 postmenopausal women took part.
Our results suggests that soy and its isoflavones can be effective in correction changes in lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women and may favorably influence in preventing cardiovascular events.
16Hot flashes and menopausal symptomsMeta-AnalysisCited 166×n=62 · small study2016
This meta-analysis of clinical trials suggests that composite and specific phytoestrogen supplementations were associated with modest reductions in the frequency of hot flashes and vaginal dryness but no significant reduction in night sweats.
Franco OH et al. · JAMA (2016)
There was substantial heterogeneity in quality across the available studies, and 46 (74%) of the included randomized clinical trials demonstrated a high risk of bias within 3 or more areas of study quality.
This meta-analysis of clinical trials suggests that composite and specific phytoestrogen supplementations were associated with modest reductions in the frequency of hot flashes and vaginal dryness but no significant reduction in night sweats.
However, because of general suboptimal quality and the heterogeneous nature of the current evidence, further rigorous studies are needed to determine the association of plant-based and natural therapies with menopausal health.
18IL-6 and TNF-α concentrationsMeta-AnalysisCited 6×2022
In conclusion, our meta-analysis did not confirm any significant effect on serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α among post-menopausal women.
Gholami A et al. · Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology (2022)
The mean change from baseline and its standard deviation (SD) for intervention and comparison groups were used to calculate the effect size.
In subgroup analysis, soy isoflavones plus soy protein could increase the serum concentration of IL-6 in studies with soy isoflavones dose ≤87 mg/days, cross-over design, weak quality, and studies on participants who had health risk factors or diseases.
The serum concentration of TNF-α increased in studies with cross-over design, intervention duration ≤56 days, and body mass index (BMI) >27, and in studies that were conducted on at-risk or sick participants.
19CRP reductionMeta-AnalysisCited 13×n=24 · very small study2022
Although our meta-analysis found evidence that soy products significantly reduce CRP concentrations in postmenopausal women, the mechanisms by which soy foods and their constituents affect inflammatory biomarkers still need to be clarified.This systematic review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020179232.
Bajerska J et al. · The Journal of nutrition (2022)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Soy supplementation significantly reduced CRP by 0.11 mg/L in postmenopausal women (95% CI: -0.22, -0.004 mg/L; P = 0.0414), but did not affect IL-6 or TNF-α.
Significant reductions in CRP concentration occurred when natural soy products were given (WMD: -0.23 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.17 mg/L; P < 0.001).
This is equivalent to a ∼9% reduction in CRP concentration from baseline.
Despite these limitations, the evidence thus far favors the use of isoflavones due to their safety profile and benefit to overall health.
Chen LR et al. · Nutrients (2019)
We found that isoflavones reduce hot flashes even accounting for placebo effect, attenuate lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) loss, show beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure during early menopause, and improve glycemic control in vitro.
There are currently no conclusive benefits of isoflavones on urogenital symptoms and cognition.
Due to the lack of standardized research protocols including isoflavone component and dosage, outcomes, and trial duration, it is difficult to reach a conclusion at this point in time.