Trifolium pratense
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| Species: | T. pratense
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Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) is a species of clover, native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalised in many other regions.
It is an herbaceous, short lived perennial plant, variable in size, growing to 20–80 cm tall. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate (with three leaflets), each leaflet 15–30 mm long and 8–15 mm broad, green with a characteristic pale crescent in the outer half of the leaf; the petiole is 1–4 cm long, with two basal stipules. The flowers are dark pink with a paler base, 12–15 mm long, produced in a dense inflorescence.
Name and varieties
The plant was named Trifolium pratense by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753. Pratense is Latin for "found in meadows".
There are seven varieties:
- Trifolium pratense pratense - widespread
- Trifolium pratense americanum - southeastern Europe (despite the name)
- Trifolium pratense frigidum - mountains of central and southern Europe (Pyrenees, Alps, Balkans)
- Trifolium pratense maritimum - southern Baltic Sea coast.
- Trifolium pratense parviflorum - Europe.
- Trifolium pratense sativum - Mediterranean region, robust-growing, with hairless or nearly hairless foliage
- Trifolium pratense villosum - Alps, densely hairy foliage
Diseases
Red clover is subject to bacterial as well as fungal diseases. Other problems include parasitic nematodes (roundworms) and viruses.
Uses
It is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility. For these reasons it is used as a green manure crop. Several cultivar groups have been selected for agricultural use, mostly derived from var. sativum. It has become naturalised in many temperate areas, including the Americas and Australasia as an escape from cultivation.
Red clover contains isoflavones (estrogen-like compounds) which can mimic the effect of endogenous estrogen. The use of red clover to relieve menopausal symptoms has been shown to be sometimes ineffective, but safe.[1] Red clover contains calcium and magnesium, which can relax the nervous system and improve fertility.[citation needed] Traditionally, red clover has been administered to help restore irregular menses and to balance the acid-alkaline level of the vagina to promote conception.[2]
The isoflavones (like irilone and pratensein) from red clover have been used to treat the symptoms of menopause.[3] It has also been reported that red clover has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as bronchitis, burns, cancers, ulcers, sedation, asthma, and syphilis.[4]
It is an ingredient in eight-herb essiac tea.
Warnings and contraindications
Due to its activity on estrogen receptors, it is contraindicated in people with a history of breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or other estrogen-sensitive conditions [5] but others have suggested that the high isoflavone content counteracts this and even provides benefits in these conditions. [6]
Due to its coumarin derivatives, it should be used in caution in individuals with coagulation disorders or currently undergoing anticoagulation therapy. [7]
It is metabolized by CYP3A4 and therefore caution should be used when taking it with other drugs using this metabolism pathway.[8]
Symbolism
It is the national flower of Denmark[9] and the state flower of Vermont.
See also
References
- ^ Geller SE, Shulman LP, van Breemen RB; et al. (2009). "Safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover for the management of vasomotor symptoms: a randomized controlled trial". Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 16 (6): 1156–66. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e3181ace49b. PMID 19609225.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/natural-fertility-boosters.html
- ^ Red Clover Flowers Herbal Information
- ^ Purdue Horticulture: T. pratense
- ^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15167307&dopt=Abstract
- ^ Roberts DW et al. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Oct:70(10);1003-5
- ^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12472978&dopt=Abstract
- ^ https://online.epocrates.com/noFrame/showPage.do?method=altmeds&MonographId=3098&ActiveSectionId=2
- ^ Other National Symbols - Embassy of Denmark India
External links
