Extracts of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) have been known for centuries, especially through Chinese and Russian folk healers who purported to use the extracts to help with curing cancer and respiratory problems. The ability of Red Clover isoflavones to protect against UV-induced inflammation and immune response has very recently been found to occur, and the suggestion that isoflavones can help to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin has also very recently been made.
This data suggests that these particular isoflavone-based products might have very beneficial uses in skin care treatment products designed for sun-damaged and aging skin. Trifolium Pratense Leaf Extract is rich in isoflavones. It is standardized for two key isoflavones, genistein, and biochanin A.
The availability of isoflavones in soy and soy fermentation products has become an area of considerable interest in cosmetics and personal care. The principal interest in these unique products, of which two are considered especially interesting, genistein and daidzein, has been the suggestion that these products can bind to estrogen receptors in the skin, thus mimicking the effects of natural human estrogen. In addition, it has been recently suggested that isoflavones can also act as potent antioxidants when examined for their ability to inhibit the oxidation of lipids, a common occurrence in photodamaged skin.
Another isoflavone from Trifolium Pratense Leaf Extract Biochanin A is an effective inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase, resulting in the reduction of DHT – dihydrotestosterone. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) shortens the hair growth cycle and promotes hair loss. Biochanin A prevents premature hair loss and is incorporated in many high-end complexes like Capixyl that stimulate hair growth.Related ingredients
