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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)DESCRIPTIONIn ancient times, red clover was commonly used as a grazing food for animals. However, like many other herbs, it was also valued for its medicinal properties. Red clover has been used all over the world for a variety of purposes. HERBAL USESIn the nineteenth century, red clover was famous for its use as a "blood purifier," or "alterative". It was believed that many illnesses were caused by the build-up of toxins in the blood. SUGGESTED INTAKESPart of the plant used: FLOWER. 2 to 4 g of dried flowers 3 times per day. Administer until symptoms improve maximally. SUPPLEMENTAL USESMenopausal symptoms: Antitumour: Skin disorders: SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONSRed clover is found in many beverage teas, and is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, detailed studies have not yet been conducted. Concentrated extracts may be harmful. Pregnant or nursing women and women with a history of uterine or breast cancer should not use red clover. Safety in young children and in patients with severe liver or kidney disease has not been determined. INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONSIndividuals on hormones (such as oral contraceptives) or anticoagulants (such as Coumadin or heparin) should not use red clover without medical supervision. Further ResearchGenistein Protects Prostate Cells Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent cancer types in Western societies and predominately occurs in the elderly male. The strong age-related increase of prostate cancer is associated with a progressive accumulation of oxidative DNA damage which is presumably supported by a decline of the cellular antioxidative defense during ageing. Risk of developing prostate cancer is much lower in many Asian countries where soy-food is an integral part of diet. Therefore, isoflavones from soy were suggested to have chemopreventive activities in prostate cells. Here we have investigated the hypothesis that the soy-isoflavone genistein could protect DNA of prostate cells from oxidative stress-related damage by enhancing the expression of antioxidative genes and proteins. A 24 h pre-incubation with genistein protected cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA-damage. The findings indicate that genistein protects prostate cells from oxidative-stress related DNA damage presumably by inducing the expression of antioxidative products. Genistein, therefore, might counteract the age related decline of important antioxidative defense systems which in turn maintain DNA integrity. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Jun 13 REFERENCES1. Newall C, et al. Herbal medicines: A guide for health-care professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996: 227. RELATED NEWS | 
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