Trifolium pratense
Red clover
Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, is a versatile perennial legume celebrated in traditional herbal medicine. Rich in isoflavones, particularly biochanin A, it is frequently used to support hormonal balance and alleviate menopausal symptoms. This nutrient-dense plant also offers antioxidant properties, promoting overall cardiovascular and bone health.
- Scientific name: Trifolium pratense
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Trifolium pratense, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is categorized under the genus Trifolium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Trifolium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Trifolium pratense, is referred to by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Polish, it is called koniczyna łąkowa, while in Belarusian, it is known as Канюшына лугавая. The Basque name for this species is Hirusta gorri, and in French, it is identified as Trèfle des prés. Finally, in Korean, the plant is commonly called 붉은토끼풀.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | koniczyna łąkowa | Wikidata |
| eu | Hirusta gorri | Wikidata |
| be | Канюшына лугавая | Wikidata |
| fr | Trèfle des prés | Wikidata |
| ko | 붉은토끼풀 | Wikidata |
| hu | réti here | Wikidata |
| lv | Pļavas āboliņš | Wikidata |
| et | aasristik | Wikidata |
| de | Wiesen-Klee | Wikidata |
| ja | ムラサキツメクサ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing throughout the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. The distribution also extends to the islands of Føroyar and Iceland. Additionally, the species is commonly documented across Great Britain. These diverse locations highlight its ability to thrive in different Northern European environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as red clover, is characterized by its distinct growth patterns and useful components. The life cycle begins with tiny seeds that germinate to produce tender green sprots, which eventually develop into the leafy structures of the clover. As the plant matures, it produces vibrant, rounded flowers that are often used in herbal remedies. Finally, once the pollination process is complete, the plant produces new seed clusters, ensuring the continuation of its medicinal properties through future generations.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| sprouts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| clover | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Trifolium pratense has 49 reported phytochemicals identified across 87 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include formononetin, isoflavones, biochanin A, prunetin, Formononetin.
- Total chemicals
- 49
- Scientific sources
- 87
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| formononetin | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| isoflavones | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| biochanin A | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| prunetin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Formononetin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| genistein | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| isoflavone | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| phytoestrogens | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Biochanin A | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Isoflavones | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Trifolium pratense has 8 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Estrogenic, Anticancer, Neuroprotective, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Estrogenic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phytoestrogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Trifolium pratense has 41 reported medicinal uses identified across 46 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, antidiabetic, depression, hot flashes, premenstrual syndrome.
- Total uses
- 41
- Scientific sources
- 46
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hot flashes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| premenstrual syndrome | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Coccidiosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Type 2 Diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |