Multidirectional Effects of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in Support of Menopause Therapy

Abstract

Red clover is a raw material of interest primarily due to its isoflavone content. However, other groups of compounds may affect the pleiotropic biological effects of this raw material. It is used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but the fact that there are many varieties of this plant that can be grown makes it necessary to compare the biological activity and phytochemical composition of this plant. Also of interest are the differences between the leaves and flowers of the plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of the leaves and flowers of six clover varieties—‘Tenia’, ‘Atlantis’, ‘Milena’, ‘Magellan’, ‘Lemmon’ and ‘Lucrum’—with respect to their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase, lipase, collagenase and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the contents of polyphenols and the four main isoflavones—genistein, daidzein, biochanin and formononetin—were assessed. The study was complemented by testing for permeability through a model membrane system (PAMPA). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified a relationship between activity and the content of active compounds. It was concluded that antioxidant activity, inhibition of glucosidase, collagenase and lipase are not correlated with isoflavone content. A higher content of total polyphenols (TPC) was determined in the flowers of red clover while a higher content of isoflavones was determined in the leaves of almost every variety. The exception is the ‘Lemmon’ variety, characterized by high isoflavone content and high activity in the tests conducted.