Text: Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 1999 11:57 AM Subject: FACTS ON ALFALFA Understanding Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Parts used and where grown: Alfalfa is a member of the pea family and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Alfalfa sprouts have become a popular food. Alfalfa herbal supplements primarily use the dried leaves of the plant. In what conditions might alfalfa be supportive? high cholesterol water retention poor appetite arthritis Historical or traditional use: Early Chinese physicians used young alfalfa leaves to treat disorders of the digestive tract.1 In India, Ayurvedic physicians prescribed the leaves and flowering tops for poor digestion. It was also considered therapeutic for water retention and arthritis. North American Indians recommended alfalfa to treat jaundice and to encourage blood clotting. Although conspicuously absent from many classic textbooks on herbal medicine, alfalfa did find a home in the texts of the Eclectic physicians as a tonic for indigestion, dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and poor assimilation of nutrients.2 The plant was also recommended to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. The seeds have also been traditionally made into a poultice for the treatment of boils and insect bites. Active constituents: The constituents in alfalfa are well studied. The leaves contain about 2-3% saponins.3 Animal studies indicate that these constituents block absorption of cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The leaves also contain flavones, isoflavones, sterols, and coumarin derivatives. The isoflavones are probably the part of the plant responsible for the estrogen-like effects in animals. Although this has not been confirmed with human trials, it is used popularly to treat menopause symptoms. Alfalfa also contains protein and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. Nutrient analysis also demonstrates the presence of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc. How much should I take? Dried alfalfa leaf is available as a bulk herb and in tablets or capsules. It is also available in liquid extracts. No therapeutic dose of alfalfa has been established for humans. Some experts recommend 500-1,000 mg of the dried leaf per day or 1-2 ml of tincture.5 Are there any side effects or interactions? Moderate use of the dried leaves of alfalfa is usually safe. There have been isolated reports of persons allergic to alfalfa. References: 1. Briggs C. Alfalfa. Canadian Pharm J Mar 1994; 84,85,115. 2. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1991, 37-9. 3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 13-15. 4. Story JA. Alfalfa saponins and cholesterol interactions. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:917-29. 5. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 2-3.

See Also:

Source: