Red Clover May Improve Anxiety, Depression in Postmenopausal Women
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Data from a small study of postmenopausal women indicate that isoflavones derived from red clover extracts (MF11RCE) may be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 109 postmenopausal women (40 years of age or older) were randomly assigned to treatment with 80 mg red clover isoflavones or placebo for 90 days. Following a 7-day washout period, the study interventions were crossed over and administered for an additional 90 days. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured at baseline, 90, and 187 days with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS).
During treatment with the red clover isoflavones, women experienced significant reductions in all symptom rating scales: total HADS score, HADS anxiety and depression subscale scores, and total SDS scores. The effect was equivalent to a 76.9% reduction in the total HADS score (76% for anxiety and 78.3% for depression) and an 80.6% reduction in the total SDS score. Although the women also experienced significant reductions in all symptom rating scales while taking placebo, the effect was only equivalent to an average 21.7% decline.
Maturitas. 2010;65:258-61.