Antioxidant properties of clover sprouts (Trifolium pratense L.) depending on morphological part of the plant

Abstract

Trifolium L., leguminosae, well known as red, meadow, creeping or craw clover, is one of the most important fodder plant in Poland. Some authors suggest that nutritional and medicinal value of clover lies mainly in its high content of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and chemoprotective substances such as glucosinolates, flavonoids, and isoflavones. The isoflavone constituents have estrogenic properties. They may play an important role in cancer prevention, moderation of menopausal symptoms and give others health effects. The presence of such isoflavones as genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin A in clover has been confirmed.