Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Bird's Foot Trefoil work as a sedative?

Bird's Foot Trefoil contains flavonoids and isoflavones that may modulate GABA receptors in the brain, producing mild sedative effects similar to other calming herbs. The plant also contains coumarins with antispasmodic properties that may help relax smooth muscle tissue in the digestive and respiratory tracts. However, the precise mechanism of action remains poorly studied, with evidence limited to traditional use and preliminary pharmacological research (Evidence Level C). More clinical studies are needed to fully understand how this herb produces its calming effects.

Does Bird's Foot Trefoil interact with any medications?

Bird's Foot Trefoil may interact with sedative medications, including benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and antidepressants, potentially enhancing their effects. The presence of coumarins creates a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, though clinical evidence is limited (Evidence Level D). Cyanogenic glycosides in the raw plant may also affect thyroid function, potentially interfering with thyroid medications. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using this herb.

What is the recommended dosage for Bird's Foot Trefoil?

Traditional dosage recommendations for Bird's Foot Trefoil include 1-2 cups of herb tea daily, or 1-2ml of liquid tincture taken up to three times daily. These amounts are based on folk medicine tradition rather than clinical trials (Evidence Level C). The dried herb is preferred over fresh plant material due to concerns about cyanogenic compounds. Dosage should be individualized based on the specific condition, and use should not exceed recommended durations without professional guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider.

Is Bird's Foot Trefoil safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Bird's Foot Trefoil is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide when metabolized, which may cross the placenta and potentially harm fetal development. These compounds may also pass into breast milk. Additionally, certain plant constituents may stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk of miscarriage. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid all preparations of this herb (Evidence Level D). Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for safe alternatives.

What are the side effects of Bird's Foot Trefoil?

Common side effects of Bird's Foot Trefoil include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, particularly when taken in higher doses. The fresh plant contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide, potentially causing headache, dizziness, or more serious symptoms if consumed in large quantities. The dried herb is generally considered safer, as processing reduces cyanogenic compound levels. Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals. Discontinue use if adverse effects occur and seek medical attention for severe symptoms (Evidence Level C).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Lotus corniculatus, known as Bird's Foot Trefoil, is a perennial legume used as a high-quality forage crop [PMID: 37071467, 40134620] and a traditional medicinal herb [PMID: 32178424, 41507713].

Background

Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a widely distributed perennial leguminous herb [PMID: 37592232, 40134620]. It is valued for its high nutritive value, ability to grow in low-fertility, acidic, and high-salinity soils, and its role in grassland ecological restoration [PMID: 33537439, 37071467].

Traditional uses

In Turkish traditional medicine, aerial parts are used as a sedative, diuretic, antihemoroidal, and painkiller [PMID: 32178424]. In Persian folk medicine, it is used to treat back pain and peritoneal inflammation [PMID: 37734474]. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the roots are used for eczema, hemorrhoids, fever due to Yin deficiency, and coughing due to wind-heat [PMID: 41507713].

Active compounds

Phytochemicals include condensed tannins [PMID: 37071467], proanthocyanidins (PAs) [PMID: 39557697], cyanogenic glycosides [PMID: 37592232], and flavonoids such as (-)-vestitol [PMID: 41507713]. Other identified compounds include kaempferol, afzelin, kaempferitin, and a galloyl glucoside (2,6-di-O-acetyl 1-O-galloyl β-D-glucose) [PMID: 32755245, 29656654].

Mechanism of action

The plant's essential oil and oleanolic acid may exert antinociceptive activity involving the NO-cGMP-K+ channel, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid, PPAR, adrenergic, and opioid mechanisms [PMID: 37734474]. Its flavonoids, specifically (-)-vestitol, are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities [PMID: 41507713].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAcute and Chronic Pain

Oral administration of Lotus corniculatus leaves essential oil (LCEO) and oleanolic acid attenuated acute pain in the first-phase of the formalin-induced paw licking test in male rats [PMID: 37734474]

Evidence DParacetamol-induced Hepatitis

Butanolic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in rats [PMID: 30799800]

Evidence DDepression

Extracts showed antidepressant potential in male BALB/c mice via tail suspension, forced swimming, and tetrabenazine-induced hypothermia tests [PMID: 32178424]

Evidence BOily Skin (Sebum Secretion)

Seed extract solution used for 4 weeks in a randomized trial reduced skin sebum contents on the forehead and cheeks [PMID: 36324215]

Evidence DCancer (Leukemic cells)

A galactose-specific lectin isolated from seeds showed strong antiproliferative activity towards human leukemic (THP-1) cancer cells [PMID: 24055517]

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one randomized controlled trial (Level B) regarding topical use for sebum reduction. No human clinical trials for systemic medicinal use were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 27325893 (2017) — Flooding tolerance of forage legumes. · Journal of experimental botany
2.PMID: 39557697 (2024) — The Lotus corniculatus MYB5 functions as a master regulator in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis and bioengineering. · Plant cell reports
3.PMID: 8241931 (1993) — The quest for a herbal contraceptive. · The National medical journal of India
4.PMID: 37071467 (2023) — X-radiation of Lotus corniculatus L. seeds improves germination and initial seedling growth. · International journal of radiation biology
5.PMID: 32178424 (2020) — Antidepressant Potential of Lotus corniculatus L. subsp. corniculatus: An Ethnobotany Based Approach. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Bird's Foot Trefoil

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Bird's Foot Trefoil