Herbal supplements containing red clover may have a beneficial effect on DHEA levels and help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to new research.

Findings published in Cancer Prevention Research suggest that these herbal supplements may have preventive effects, but scientists caution that more research is needed.

Julia Arnold of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine said that she and her colleagues are studying how human prostate cancer cells communicate with each other to learn more about the effects and interrelationship of DHEA and red clover.

In one instance, when cell cultures were treated with isoflavones from red clover, it had a positive effect on the androgenic effects of DHEA.

“Something is happening in the prostate tissue microenvironment that is illustrating a potential cancer protection effect from this supplement,” Arnold explained.

According to isoflavones.info, herbal supplements containing red clover can provide a number of health benefits, which include loosening phlegm, easing symptoms of eczema, improving cardiovascular health and reducing hot flashes during menopause.