Sweet clover's therapeutic uses
Sweet clover, known scientifically as Melilotus, is primarily recognized for its use as forage for grazing animals but also has a history of medicinal applications. It contains coumarins, which are substances thought to support the integrity of blood and lymph vessels, and has been proposed for treating a variety of conditions, including venous disorders like varicose veins and phlebitis, as well as digestive issues, insomnia, and anxiety. However, the scientific evidence supporting these therapeutic claims is limited and largely preliminary, with no definitive double-blind, placebo-controlled studies confirming its effectiveness.
In Germany, sweet clover extracts have received some approval for specific uses related to venous insufficiency, but these are often in combination with other compounds, leaving the efficacy of sweet clover alone unclear. Additionally, while it is sometimes applied topically for minor injuries and bruises, there is no scientific backing for these applications. Safety concerns also exist, particularly regarding its potential to cause excessive bleeding due to its coumarin content, especially when used with other blood-thinning medications. Given these considerations, further research is necessary to fully understand both the therapeutic potential and safety profile of sweet clover.
Sweet clover's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, minor injuries, phlebitis, varicose veins and other venous disorders, lymphatic congestion, insomnia, anxiety
Overview
Sweet clover, popular as food for grazing animals, is also used medicinally. It contains various substances in the coumarin family, which are thought to help strengthen the walls of blood and lymph vessels. However, there is no more than preliminary evidence that sweet clover is effective for any medical condition. Although studies have indicated coumarins may hold potential health benefits, no double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been undertaken on sweet clover itself. In addition, the use of sweet clover presents some safety concerns.
The genus name Melilotus originates from the Greek word for honey, meli, and a term for cloverlike plants, lotos. Four common species comprise this Eurasian-origin genus: M. alba, M. indica, M. officinalis, and M. altissimus. Sweet clover's fresh or dried leaves and flowering stems have traditionally been used as a diuretic.
Therapeutic Dosages
Sweet clover products are standardized to their coumarin content. To treat symptoms of venous insufficiency/varicose veins, a daily dosage of a sweet clover preparation or extract providing 3 to 30 milligrams (mg) of coumarin is taken internally.
Therapeutic Uses
Germany’s Commission E has authorized the use of sweet clover extract for symptoms of venous insufficiency (a condition closely related to varicose veins), and for treating phlebitis and hemorrhoids. However, sweet clover is generally combined with bioflavonoids, such as oxerutins, when used for this purpose. There is no meaningful evidence that sweet clover taken alone is effective for these conditions.
Sweet clover contains coumarins, substances related to the prescription blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). Most scientific studies relevant to sweet clover involve prescription drugs that combine coumarins and bioflavonoids. These medications have also been used to treat venous insufficiency and numerous other conditions, including elephantiasis, hemorrhoids, mild digestive disturbances, and various forms of edema. However, it is unclear whether sweet clover extracts containing coumarins would work the same way as the coumarin portion of these pharmaceutical products.
Topical treatments made from sweet clover are sometimes recommended for hemorrhoids, bruises, and minor injuries, but there is no scientific evidence to support these proposed uses. Other suggested therapeutic uses for sweet clover include improving lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling, and being a medication to relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep. Additional study is necessary for these claims.
Safety Issues
The safety of any medicinal use of sweet clover has not been established in humans. Because sweet clover contains various substances in the coumarin family, and many (but not all) of these substances thin the blood, use of sweet clover might cause excessive bleeding in some individuals. In particular, sweet clover should not be combined with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, heparin, or drugs in the aspirin family.
The safety of sweet clover for pregnant or nursing women, young children, and individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Persons who are taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), pentoxifylline (Trental), or drugs in the aspirin family should not use sweet clover.
Bibliography
Blumenthal, M., et al., editors. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, Tex.: American Botanical Council, 1999.
Bruneton, J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed., Paris: Lavoisier, 2001.
Casley-Smith, J. R. "Benzo-Pyrones in the Treatment of Lymphoedema." International Angiology, vol. 18, 1999, pp. 31-41.
Jasicka-Misiak, Izabela, et al. "Polish Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus Officinalis L.) Honey, Chromatographic Fingerprints, and Chemical Markers." Molecules: A Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry, vol. 22, no. 1, 2017. doi.org/10.3390/molecules22010138.
"Sweet Clover." RxList, www.rxlist.com/supplements/sweet‗clover.htm. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.