Trifolium repens belongs to the family Leguminosae and has been used for therapeutic purposes as traditional medicine. The plant is widely used as fodder and leafy vegetables for human uses. However, there is a lack of a detailed review of its phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical profile and biological properties of T. repens. The plant is used as antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors and for anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, antirheumatic ache, and antimicrobial purposes. This review has summarized the available updated useful information about the different bioactive compounds such as simple phenols, phenolic acids, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, pterocarpans, cyanogenic glucosides, saponins, and condensed tannins present in T. repens. The pharmacological roles of these secondary metabolites present in T. repens have been presented. It has been revealed that T. repens contain important phytochemicals, which is the potential source of health-beneficial bioactive components for food and nutraceuticals industries.
Keywords: Trifolium repens; antioxidants; phytochemistry; secondary metabolites.