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Red Clover Extract (Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Extract): Isoflavones as Phytoestrogen-Rich Marker Compound

Red Clover Extract (INCI: Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Extract) is a water-derived plant extract that CONIUNCTA® offers in three carrier variants: with glycerin, with propylene glycol/water, and with pentylene glycol/water. Characteristic of this raw material is its content of isoflavones, a compound class documented in red clover. For formulators in the cosmetics and food industry, the extract combines a defined marker reference with a broad choice of carriers and a recommended use concentration of 2 to 5 percent. This article puts the markers, documented effects, and carrier variants from the technical data sheets into context. Isoflavones as the Leading Marker of Red Clover Extract At the center of the analytical characterization are the total isoflavones, which according to the CDS consist of Biochanin A, Formononetin, Genistein, and Daidzein. The indicative content in the extract ranges from 245 to 788 µg/mL. The literature content in the dried plant is stated as 1 to 2.5 percent (source per data sheet: Ph. Eur. draft, Booth et al. 2006). The native extract has a drug-extract ratio (DER) of 1:10, with the extract fraction making up around 30 percent of the finished product. Concrete target concentrations can be derived from this for formulation practice: at 2 percent extract use in a cosmetic formulation, this results in a calculated 4.9 to 15.8 µg/mL total isoflavones. In food applications at 1.3 percent use, the values are 3.1 to 9.9 µg/mL. These calculated figures facilitate the planning of reproducible batches. The exact batch values can be found in the respective certificate of analysis (CoA). What Red Clover Extract Can Do in Formulations The CDS lists the following documented cosmetic properties for Red Clover Extract: Anti-ageing, Balancing, Elasticity support, Moisture-promoting, Hormone-balancing, Phytoestrogen-rich, and Pore-refining. The ERβ receptor, collagen synthesis, and MMP inhibition are named as targets. For food applications, the extract is documented as a nutritional antioxidant and as a traditional dietary component, with reference to metabolic health and oxidative stress. The reference to phytoestrogens follows directly from the isoflavone profile. Formulators developing balancing and moisture-promoting care concepts will find in Red Clover Extract a raw material with a defined marker reference. For efficacy claims related to isoflavone activity, the CDS names a reference range of 1 to 3 percent use. All claims must be independently verified and substantiated by the marketer within the framework of cosmetics or food law. What Is Red Clover Extract Used For? This question often comes up in research, for example when searching for the term "red clover extract" or its Spanish equivalent. For B2B applications, the answer can be closely tied to the data sheets: according to the dossier, Red Clover Extract is suitable for all cosmetic variants and, in the glycerin carrier variant, also for food applications. Cosmetically, its isoflavone profile addresses balancing, moisture-promoting, and elasticity-supporting concepts; in functional foods and beverages, it can be considered as an antioxidant ingredient at a use concentration of 0.5 to 2 percent. The actual suitability for the specific application must always be determined by the customer. Three Carrier Variants Compared CONIUNCTA® offers Red Clover Extract in three carrier systems that differ in composition and application profile: Glycerin variant: Glycerin (anhydrous, ≥ 99.5 percent) as carrier at around 70 percent share, 30 percent extract fraction, purified water as extraction solvent. According to the CDS, this variant is suitable for food applications and is well suited for aqueous, glycerin-based systems. Propylene glycol variant: Propylene glycol/water mixture with approx. 40 percent water, approx. 30 percent extract, and approx. 30 percent propylene glycol. Pentylene glycol variant: Pentylene glycol/water mixture with approx. 50 percent water, approx. 30 percent extract, and approx. 20 percent pentylene glycol. For this variant, the TDS documents a drug-extract ratio of the total product fraction of 1:30 (dried). All three variants appear as a clear liquid with a characteristic amber to light brown color and work in an aqueous-hydrophilic manner. The choice of the suitable carrier variant depends on the intended formulation system, the preservation strategy, and the regulatory framework of the end application. An overview of further glycerin-based raw materials can be found in our category of glycerin extracts. Processing, Stability, and Regulatory Framework Red Clover Extract has a shelf life of 24 months when stored dry between 10 and 30 °C in the unopened original container. Color changes may occur during storage depending on temperature; if turbidity or precipitates form, filtration is possible without affecting quality. The relative density is in the range of 1.03 to 1.06. From a safety standpoint, the product is not classified as a hazardous substance under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008: no pictogram, no signal word, no H/P statements. The SDS recommends eye protection and advises against inhaling vapors and aerosols; skin and respiratory protection are not required (except in the case of aerosol formation). Regulatorily, the extract is suitable for cosmetics under (EC) No. 1223/2009 and is free of fragrance allergens under Annex III, as it is aqueous-extracted and free of essential oils. It is also suitable for vegan formulations. Further details are available in our technical documentation. Production and Portfolio Positioning at CONIUNCTA® Red Clover Extract is manufactured using the proprietary AVE technology (Adaptive Vacuum Extraction) and is part of the portfolio of classic plant extracts. This raw material is of conventional quality. For projects with organic requirements, CONIUNCTA®, as a manufacturer certified under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (DE-ÖKO-001, Kiwa BCS), offers an extensive ORGANIC range; the corresponding certificates can be viewed on our certificates page. Further botanical extracts can be found in the category of classic plant extracts. For samples, certificates of analysis, and technical evaluation of your application, you can view Red Clover Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop and send your inquiry directly to us (info@coniuncta.com, Tel. +49 911 47715370). CONIUNCTA® – Raw materials, data, and services for future-ready formulations.