Red Clover's properties are attributed to its high levels of plant compounds known as isoflavones. Although these occur naturally in almost all fruit, vegetables and cerals, they are at much higher levels in legumes such as soya, red clover, lentils, beans, peas and peanuts. Red Clover is unusual because it contains 4 isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, biochanin A and formononetin.
Isoflavones are classed as phytoestrogens which are compunds of plant origin that possess mild oestrogen like characteristics. They are recognised in the body by the same systems that respond to oestrogen and have similar but weaker properties.
Oestrogen is responsible for normal function of the female sex organs and is involved in the control of the menstrual cycle. An imbalance or change in the overall level of oestrogen can affect fertility. In later life, when its production ceases, unpleasant symptons such as hot flushes can occur.
