A 12-week study of 60 menopausal women in Denmark has found that red clover halted bone loss and bone mineral density reduction. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled research, sponsored by the Aarhus University Medical School and Hospital, tested the women over a three-month period. Half were treated with 150 milliliters of red clover extract daily and the others were given a placebo. The red clover plant extract was standardized to 37 milligrams of isoflavones, including 34 milligrams of aglycones.

The scientists measured changes in bone mineral density, bone mineral content and T-score, measured at the spine and femoral bone. They also monitored bone turnover markers. By the end of the study, the women in the placebo group had continued to lose bone mass and bone mineral density. Those given the red clover extract showed no such reductions during the study period. In addition, the red clover group experienced no increase in inflammation or blood pressure.