Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries for various purposes, especially in traditional medicine. It is commonly known as lucerne, and it's a highly nutritious plant, rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. 

The plant is valued for its potential health benefits and has been traditionally used for various purposes. 

Here are some of the benefits, properties, and traditional uses of alfalfa:

1. Nutrient-rich: Alfalfa is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains protein, fiber, and various phytochemicals.
2. Digestive health: Traditionally, alfalfa has been used to support digestive health by alleviating indigestion, bloating, and gas. The fiber in alfalfa can help maintain bowel regularity and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
3. Detoxification: Alfalfa has been used as a natural detoxifying agent, as it is believed to help cleanse the liver and purify the blood. Its diuretic properties may also support kidney function and help flush out toxins from the body.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties: Alfalfa contains phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health.
5. Immune system support: The vitamins and minerals in alfalfa are thought to contribute to a healthy immune system, helping to fend off infections and illnesses.
6. Cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest that alfalfa may help reduce cholesterol levels and support overall heart health. Its high potassium content may also help regulate blood pressure.
7. Menopausal symptoms: Traditional uses of alfalfa include its consumption as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It is believed that the plant's phytoestrogens may help balance hormone levels.
8. Bone health: Alfalfa is rich in calcium and vitamin K, which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.

It's important to note that while alfalfa has been used traditionally for various health purposes, more scientific research is needed to confirm these benefits. 

As with any herbal supplement, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating alfalfa into your diet, especially if you have existing medical conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications.

Medicago sativa

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Luzerne

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Alfalfa , Big clover , Burgundy hay

International Latin denomination

Medicago sativa L.

botanical family

Fabaceae subfamily Faboideae (ex - Papilionaceae , ex - Leguminosae )

Description and habitat

• Perennial herbaceous plant 20 to 70 cm high, with trilobed leaves, papilionaceous tubular flowers ranging from yellow to blue violet, gathered in ovoid clusters
• The fruit is a helix-coiled pod with spiral seeds
• Cultivated and subspontaneous in most temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North Africa

History and tradition

• Pliny reports that it was introduced into Greece by the Persians during the Persian Wars (5th century BC)
• Fodder plant harvested in summer, very melliferous
• Used in crop rotation because it brings Potassium to the soil through nitrophilic bacteria, like all Fabaceae
• It has been used to produce chlorophyll and carotene industrially and for its nutritional properties

Parts used

• Aerial parts, sprouted seeds

Dosage forms available

• Alfalfa whole plant tincture
• EPS
• plant powder

Usual dosages

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Isoflavones ( genistein , biochanin A , coumestrol )
• Stachydrin and homostachydrin
• Flavonoids  : chrysoeriol
• Phenolic compounds , tannins , amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids
• Saponosides  : soyasapogenol glycosides and acid oleanene bidesmosides
• Coumarins
• L-canavanine (amino acid analogue of arginine)
• Phytosterols
• Mineral salts, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, vitamins A (carotene), B, C, D, and K

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

Properties

Plant properties

• estrogen, lactagogue
• Revitalizing and remineralizing (rich in Silicon)
• Supply of easily assimilated nutrients
• Specific anti-LH activity
• Hypocholesterolemic due to the presence of saponosides which, by forming an insoluble complex, inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its faecal elimination
• Antidiabetic [1] , insulin-like effect [2]
• Anti-haemorrhagic (presence of vitamin K)
• Neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial
•  

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

Directions

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Useful for convalescents who need easily assimilated food
• Hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis
• Menopause, hot flashes
• Anemia, demineralization, asthenia
• thinness
• Cosmetology: prevention of sunburn (sunscreen), anti-aging of the skin
• Diabetes (?)

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

Known or suspected mode of action

Usual formulations

Regulations

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• No continuous food use
• Contraindicated in dys-immune diseases: observation of reactivation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other pathologies by consumption of alfalfa seeds and sprouts used for their cholesterol-lowering properties due to their high content of saponins [1] , [ 2]
• Lupus induction is also possible [3] , [4] , [5]
  • A case-control study found a significant association between alfalfa administration and lupus [6] , [7]
• Incompatibilities with certain anticoagulant medications due to its vitamin K content

Bibliographic references

1. Aller↑ Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetology. 1990 Aug;33(8):462-4. PMID 2210118
2. Aller↑ Gray AM, Flatt PR. Pancreatic and extra-pancreatic effects of the traditional anti-diabetic plant, Medicago sativa (lucerne). Br J Nutr. 1997 Aug;78(2):325-34. PMID 9301421
3. Aller↑ Akaogi J, Barker T, Kuroda Y, Nacionales DC, Yamasaki Y, Stevens BR, Reeves WH, Satoh M. Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity. Autoimmune Rev. 2006 Jul;5(6):429-35. PMID 16890899
4. Aller↑ Montanaro A, Bardana EJ Jr. Dietary amino acid-induced systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1991 May;17(2):323-32. PMID 1862241
5. Aller↑ Alcocer-Varela J, Iglesias A, Llorente L, Alarcón-Segovia D. Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa. Arthritis Rheum. 1985Jan;28(1):52-7. PMID 3155617
6. Aller↑ Petri M, Thompson E, Abusuwwa R, Huang J, Garret E. BALES: the Baltimore Lupus Environmental Study. Arthritis Rheum 2001; 44:S331.
7. Aller↑ Mary Isabella. Drug-induced and toxic lupus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and Sjögren's syndrome Therapeutic medicine. Volume 14, Number 4, 237-46, Juillet-Août 2008, Dossier. DOI: 10.1684/met.2008.0169 full text

• Ready PE. Effects of L-canavanine on immune function in normal and autoimmune mice: disordered B-cell function by a dietary amino acid in the immunoregulation of autoimmune disease. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1985 Jul;63(7):843-54.
• Saloniemi H, Wähälä K, Nykänen-Kurki P, Kallela K, Saastamoinen I. Phytoestrogen content and estrogenic effect of vegetable fodder. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1995Jan;208(1):13-7. PMID 7892287
• JA Hettle, WD Kitts. Effects of phyto-estrogenic alfalfa consumption on plasma LH levels in cycling ewes. Animal Reproduction Science - December 1983 (Vol. 6, Issue 3, Pages 233-238)

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep tightly closed, away from the reach of Children and pets.

Do not exceed the daily dose.

This product is not intended to prevent or cure any form of illness or disease.
 

If you are pregnant or nursing ; If you have a medical condition or are in the course of medical treatment ; If you are programmed for theater/operation in the near future, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

This product cannot replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This product has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

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