Common names | red clover

Scientific name | Trifolium pratense

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | daidzin, glycetin, genistin, apigenin, biochanin A

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory

Product name | Red Clover Blossom-APD, Red Clover Blossom-ANB

Plant Story

Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, is an herbaceous species of flowering plant native to Europe and Western Asia but naturalized in many regions around the world. Red clover is known for its distinctive reddish pink to purple flower heads and its traditional uses in herbal medicine. The flowers are edible and can be used as garnishes in salads and to make herbal teas. They can be also used in vinegar to create a unique herbal vinegar. Red clover has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for its potential therapeutic properties to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Also, the infusions or extracts of red clover were consumed to soothe coughs and respiratory discomfort. Traditionally, red clover ointments have been topically applied to treat psoriasis, eczema, and skin rashes.

Phytochemical studies confirmed that T. pratense contains flavonoids, including daidzin, glycetin, luteolin 7-O-alpha-D-glucoside, genistin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, apigenin, biochanin A and so on. The phenolic acids from the leaves and flowers of T. pratense were identified including p-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic, protocatechuic, gentisic, p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids. Among them, p-hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids were the main compounds from flowers. Many research articles reported the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of red clover flower extracts. One of the studies demonstrated that red clover extract suppressed intracellular ROS production and LPS-induced expression of genes such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, iNOS, and COX-2.