Although the coumarin content of red clover is low at normal usage levels, it is important to note coumarins can affect the action of almost any drug. Both groups use red clover as an important rejuvenator, a diuretic in gout, a sedative in bronchial conditions, and an antitussive in whooping cough. It is used by both cultures to treat debilitating, infectious, and inflammatory diseases, ie. Red clover has long been used as a cancer treatment by many cultures. The most modest claims admit the herb will not cure malignancies, but may prevent them from returning once removed.
Many Western herbalists believe it acts primarily as a potent alterative.
Although a chemical basis for this claim has not been found, several individual properties have been substantiated that together may add up to an alterative effect. A tea made from red clover tops was shown to inhibit the growth of unspecified bacteria. In the 40 years following the introduction of subterranean clover to Australia, disturbances in fertility become widespread among grazing animals. Eventually, the cause was attributed to isoflavones in the leaf. Once the structure of these isoflavones was determined, it was noticed they strongly resembled certain steroids.