Presented at the Prairie Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Conference
Olds, Alberta - March 3-5, 1996
Medicago sativa
Family: Legume (Leguminoseae)
Common Names: Buffalo herb. Lucerne, Purple medic
Habitat North America, the Mediterranean region, western Asia;
foothills and mountain areas
Description A perennial plant with a smooth, erect stem growing
2-3 feet tall. It bears grayish-green pinnately trifoliate leaves, with
egg-shaped leaflets; it looks much like a large clover. Its violet-purple
flowers grow in racemes from June to August, producing spirally-coiled
seed pods.
Medical Parts: Dried whole herb, including blossoms; gathered at the
beginning of flowering season.
Alfalfa has been extensively studied. Whole plant material contains
many important substances, including several saponins, many sterols,
coumarin, flavonoids, alkaloids, acids, vitamins, amino acids, sugars,
proteins (25% by weight), minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients.
Whole alfalfa also contains plenty of fibre with anticholesterolemic
properties.
Alfalfa is one of the most nutritious foods known. Its calcium,
carotene, chlorophyll, and vitamin K content make alfalfa an important
nutritional supplement. Alfalfa root saponins can inhibit increases in
blood cholesterol levels by 25% in experimental animals fed a high
cholesterol diet. Offsetting this positive effect are findings that the
root is hemolytic and may interfere with vitamin E metabolism.
High concentration of vitamin K found in whole alfalfa has beneficial
effects on several forms of hemolytic disease. Alfalfa has antitumoral and
antibacterial properties. In folk medicine, it has been used as a tonic
and appetizer, and as a diuretic to relieve urinary and bowel problems.
Perhaps the most common modern use of alfalfa is in the treatment of
symptomatic arthritis, but although numerous clinical and anecdotal
reports are available, no scientific research has been done on its
effectiveness.
Alfalfa Contains Vitamin K, An Antihemolytic Agent
Vitamin K is found in many green leafy plants, but is especially
abundant in alfalfa. The herb has therefore been effectively used in
treatment of vitamin K disorders in man. When the delivery of bile to the
bowel is hindered, as in obstructive jaundice or biliary fistula, a
bleeding disorder may arise. Other bleeding disorders may result from the
use of artificial formulas to feed newborns, protracted antibiotic
therapy, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic diarrhea and steatorrhea, and
from the misuse of anticoagulants, aspirin, and anticonvulsant drugs.
Alfalfa Has Antibiotic Properties
The saponins in alfalfa have been shown to be antifungal. This activity
is concentrated mainly in the medicagenic acid fraction.
Alfalfa has shown some activity against tuberculosis bacteria, while
aqueous and volatile extracts of alfalfa are antibacterial against gram
negative bacteria.
Alfalfa Has Antitumor Action
Basic proteins (histones) displaying antitumor activity without
undesired side effects occur in alfalfa. These substances contain high
levels of l-lysine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Tumor stimulating
fractions were also found, containing large amounts of l-arginine. This
basic relationship requires further study.
Other Pharmacology Of Alfalfa
Tricin has been isolated from alfalfa and found to cause smooth muscle
relaxation in guinea pig intestinal tissue, and to have some slight
estrogenic property.
Alfalfa Is Highly Nutritious
The nutrient content of alfalfa is one of the richest known, making it
a useful livestock fodder and a highly recommended herb for the human diet
as well.
Alfalfa Root Pharmacology
The hypocholesterolemic effect of alfalfa root saponins has been
thoroughly established. Alfalfa root saponins can inhibit increases in
blood cholesterol levels by 25% in experimental animals fed a high
cholesterol diet.
Alfalfa root saponins also have a hemolytic effect. It appears this
hemolytic effect is the result of a marked reduction in prothrombin factor
concentration. In addition, they may interfere with the metabolism of
vitamin E.
Possible Interactions
Alfalfa's hypoprothrombinemic effect may be increased by the
antiarrhythmic agent, quinidine. In addition, allopurinol has been
tentatively shown to increase the half-life of anticoagulants.
Comments
Alfalfa is high in iron, which may cause it to interfere with the
absorption of tetracyclines. This is especially true if large quantities
of the herb are ingested within two hours of taking tetracyclines. It
should also be noted animal studies indicate iron plus allopurinol may
lead to increased hepatic iron concentration.
Alfalfa may, because of the presence of eugenol in the herb, inhibit
certain liver microsomal hydroxylating systems. This produces toxic
effects from drugs normally metabolized by those systems.
It should be noted while the coumarin content of alfalfa is not high at
normal usage levels, coumarins can effect the action of almost any drug.
The presence of tyramine and/or typtophan in alfalfa could produce
hypertension if monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) are also being used.
However, this is not a likely interaction.
Generally regarded as safe by the FDA.
Contact dermatitis has occurred in hypersensitive individuals. Alfalfa
root saponins are hemolytic and may also interfere with the metabolism of
vitamin E; however, above-ground parts have just the opposite effects.
The toxic effects of alfalfa root saponins have been shown to be
counteracted by cholesterol and betasitosterol.
ALFALFA
is a vitality augmenter. The idea of humans consuming something that is
generally grown as feed for animals has never really gained widespread
acceptance with the general public. But considered as a spring tonic,
Alfalfa has no equal. It is one of the best single sources of protein, and
is very high in vitamins A, D, E, B-6, and K, calcium, magnesium,
chlorophyll, phosphorous, iron, potassium, trace minerals and several
digestive enzymes. Alfalfa is one of the most studied plants available. We
know it contains many important substances, including several saponins,
many sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, acids, vitamins, amino
acids, natural sugars, proteins (25% by weight), minerals, trace
elements and other essential nutrients. Alfalfa saponins inhibit increases
in blood cholesterol levels by 25% in laboratory experiments with monkeys,
rats and rabbits. Other components of Alfalfa greatly enhance the action
of the saponins by binding the bile acids that are necessary for
cholesterol absorption. French scientists have shown that Alfalfa can
reduce tissue damage caused by another modern medical technique -
radiotherapy. Also of interest are the effects of vitamin K, found in high
concentrations in Alfalfa. In man, dietary vitamin K can remedy bleeding
disorders which occur when the delivery of bile to the bowel is hindered,
as for example in obstructive jaundice or biliary fistula. It is also
important to remember that Alfalfa is a fiber. As such, it has been shown,
along with Bran and Pectin, to bind & neutralize various types of agents
carcinogenic to the colon. Finally, some work suggests that Alfalfa
induces activity in a complex cellular system that inactivates dietary
chemical carcinogens in the liver and small intestine before they have a
chance to do the body any harm.
alfalfa
Also called Buffalo Herb, Buffalo Grass, Chilean Clover, Lucerne (in
Britain), Purple Medic.
"Father of all foods"
Part: Flowering plant
Classed as a 2nd degree nutritive bitter, The leaves, flowers and seeds
are used as teas, infusions, capsules, tablets and alcohol extracts.
Medicinally, it is gentle and slow-acting against chronic problems. It can
be used in fairly large quantities but be sure to remember its tendency to
promote cleansing reactions. This all makes alfalfa a good "spring tonic."
Sweet-smelling (volatile oils include hexanol and hexanal which provide
a mild, sweet odor) nutritive grass that is used in
mineral supplement formulas. It is one of the most nutritious foods known.
Alfalfa grows a very deep tap root (some say as much as 20-60 feet. One
source says 130 feet!) and thus has access to mineral nutrients that may
not be found in the topsoil.
Alfalfa is a good source of Vitamin A (about 80 IU/gm), B Complex,
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, biotin, carotenes, calcium,
phosphorus, choline, inositol, PABA, octacosonal, trace minerals including
iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorophyll, and many
other nutrients.
Alfalfa is high in protein (provides 8 essential amino acids which can
not be manufactured by the body but must be obtained from food:
tryptophane), it has more protein than beef (about 19-20% vs. 16.5%). Used
to generate strength and vitality.
Alfalfa leaves are a rich source of weak plant phytoestrogens which are
helpful in balancing hormones such as excess or insufficient estrogen.
It is an excellent source of chlorophyll, a powerful
cleansing and deodorizing agent. Alfalfa seems to
stimulate the body to remove toxins from the tissues and
blood (including inorganic mineral deposits). Has mild alterative
activity. Used for body odor, bad breath, blood toxemia in pregnancy,
constipation, eczema
Is an important alkalizing food. Used for arthritis,
bursitis, gout, rheumatism, to reduce uric acid. It is used in folk
medicine to reduce most inflammations.
Aids digestion. It contains eight digestive
enzymes for improved digestion of protein, fat, and
carbohydrates, better assimilation and intestinal cleansing. Used for
digestive problems (gastritis, gas pains, indigestion, morning sickness,
nausea, to stimulate appetite). Alfalfa is often combined with mint as a
digestive tea.
High Vitamin A/Carotene content promotes regrowth of epithelial
cells of mucous membranes including the stomach lining. Used for
peptic ulcers, intestinal ulcerations.
Alfalfa's trace mineral content help the body to
create enzymes which facilitate numerous chemical reactions in the body.
The pituitary is often affected by mineral deficiencies.
It helps regulate hormones such as estrogen. Is used
for menopause. May have "estrogenic" properties of benefit when
estrogen is too low. Said to compete for estrogen binding sites which
helps when estrogen is high.
It enriches breast milk by improving its quantity and
quality. Used for lactation, nursing.
Alfalfa is a diuretic (probably due to flavonoids).
Used for water retention, edema.
Alfalfa is a high-fiber substance (21% crude fiber,
42% dietary fiber). High fiber diets are helpful for reducing cholesterol,
improving diabetes, protecting against colon cancer.
It helps balance blood sugar levels. Used for
diabetes. Hypoglycemic effect is due to trigonelline alkaloid.
It helps dissolve cholesterol, reduce serum cholesterol.
In animal studies, alfalfa saponins reduce intestinal absorption
of cholesterol, other components bind bile acids that are necessary for
cholesterol absorption. Alfalfa supplementation inhibits increases in
blood cholesterol levels by 25% when high cholesterol diets are given.
Octacosanol and triacontanol content produces hypolipidemic
(cholesterol-lowering) action.
Contains small quantities (< 0.5%) of saturated fatty acids
(palmitic, lauric, myristic)
Contains flavonoids (tricin, genistein, daidzein,
biochanin A, formononetin)
Contains alkaloids (trigonelline, stachydrine,
homostachydrine)
Antithrombotic action is due to coumarin derivatives (coumesterol,
medicagol, sativol, trifolioll, lucernol, daphneretin).
Antispasmodic action on smooth muscles is due to
flavonoids such as formononetin.
Balancing effects on intestinal flora is due to 2-3%
saponins (soyasapogenols A,B,C,D,E, hederagenin) (Medicagenic Acid)
(Steroidal saponins: beta sitosterol, alpha spinasterol, stigmasterol,
sycloartenol, campestrol)
It helps increase bile output from the liver. Used for
liver disorders. Promotes liver's detoxification of dietary chemical
carcinogens.
It is a rich source of vitamin K. This makes it useful
as a blood clotting agent for bleeding (hemorrhaging, bleeding from
ulcers, bleeding gums, protracted antibiotic therapy, pancreatic
insufficiency, chronic diarrhea and steatorrhea) (liver disorders
including obstructive jaundice, biliary fistula) (Use of anticoagulant
drugs, aspirin and anticonvulsant drugs) Used for anemia.
May be modestly useful to prevent cancer. A Hungarian
patent sites a protein with known antitumor activity. Also, alfalfa is a
rich source of fiber which can bind and neutralize carcinogenic agents. It
contains flavonoids genistein and daidzein which have known anti-cancer
properties.
Alkaloid in the leaves strengthens the central nervous system.
Anti-bacterial action against gram negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi)
Research in France has led to a patent for using alfalfa to reduce
tissue damage from radiotherapy.
Liquid chlorophyll is derived from young alfalfa plants (alfalfa
grass). The magnesium in the chlorophyll is replaced with copper and
sodium for chemical stability and long-term storage. This also makes it
water soluble. This is not a problem for a low-sodium diet. A teaspoon of
liquid chlorophyll contain about as much sodium as the equivalent volume
of green peas.
Alfalfa is a member of the pea family and technically a legume (leguminosae).
It is a 1-3' tall bushy perennial that will grow without being replanted
for 5-12 years. The leaves are alternate and pinnately divided, with three
dark green leaflets (trifoliate) (with oblong-obovate or linear-oblong
leaflets) that are toothed toward the tips. Blue/purple to yellowish
flowers (May - Octover) are arranged in heads that produce (in the fall)
spiral (coiled) seed pods.
Most alfalfa is grown as a highly nutritious forage and feed
for livestock. It is also rotated with other crops to enrich depleted
soil. It is hearty, usually resisting attack from insects and fungal
diseases, and can grow in dry, hot regions where water is scarce. Remember
that alfalfa is known for its deep roots which may help it reach water far
below the surface.
It probably originated in the Near East and may have been first
cultivated in ancient Armenia about 2000 - 1000 B.C. Persians called it "aspasti"
(horse fodder) and/or Arabs called it al-fasfasah (the best
fodder). Although the Greeks may have planted it as early as 490 B.C., the
Medes and Persians promoted alfalfa in Greece when they invaded in 400
B.C. The latin name, Medicago sativa means "sowed by the
Medians." The Romans gave it to their horses for strength and power. The
Moors brought alfalfa to Spain (and North Africa?) where the name became
"father of herbs" (Al-Fal-Fa). The Spanish carried it to the "New World"
(the Americas). The Spanish Conquistadores planted it in Mexico and Chile.
Gold prospectors carried it north to California where settlers called it
"Chilean Clover" and began growing it as fodder in the mid-1800's. Alfalfa
was also introduced directly from Europe to the Eastern shores where it
was carried west. Over 50 species of alfalfa are now grown throughout the
world (16-27 million acres in the United States and 60-80 million acres
worldwide).
Various sources also recommend alfalfa for
addictions (drug, alcohol)
asthma (hay fever)
burns
hemorrhoids
high blood pressure
immune system (colds, fevers, influenza, reduction in pus formation,
athlete's foot, infections, inflammation, relieves pain, whooping cough)
(contains an anti-fungal agent)
muscle spasms (cramps)
prevent tooth decay
urinary problems (bladder stones)
weight loss (obesity)
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly warms reproductive system
function.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly warms skin activity.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly warms upper GI activity.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly cools anabolic stress.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly cools central nervous system
activity.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly cools hepatic activity.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly cools immunologic activity.
- Medicago sativum (Alfalfa) Herb weakly cools renal activity.
Specific indications: MEDICAGO SATIVA
- Phosphaturia in general.
- Menopause, with early
osteoporosis symptoms (as a tea with Equisetum and Angelica sinensis).
- Lactation, poor quality and
quantity.
- Appetite poor, nervous,
weak.
- Malnutrition, recuperation
from major illness, surgery.
- Nutritional malabsorption in
moderate parathyroid imbalances.
Generally safe for appropriate consumption.
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Safety &
Labeling Guidelines SubCommittee: Michael McGuffin, Chair; Christopher
Hobbs, L.Ac.; and Roy Upton. (consensus of the Committee)
Contraindications
Pregnancy - The variety Medicago sativa var. italica
contains stachydrine which has been shown in animals to be a uterine
stimulant.
Drug Interactions
Xenobiotics - Alfalfa increases the activity of liver microsomal
mixed-function oxidase reactions. This can increase the rate of metabolism
of xenobiotic drugs.
Resources from Michael Moore's
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine for Medicago sativum
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