Wether bioassay of animal pasture legumes. II. The oestrogenic activity of nine strains of Trifolium subterraneum L.

Abstract

Nine strains of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were assayed for oestrogenic activity with changes in wether teat length as the criterion. The isoflavone and coumestrol contents of each strain were determined by thin-layer chromatography. Significant differences were obtained between strains.

Multiple regression analysis indicated a positive relationship between increase in teat length and the formononetin content of the strains. No such relationship was found for either genistein or biochanin A, the other isoflavones that were present in appreciable amounts.