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Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa)
DESCRIPTION
Also known as lucerne, alfalfa is a member of the pea family.
While alfalfa sprouts have become a common food, it is the
leaves that are primarily used as medicine. Today, alfalfa
is used to treat High Cholesterol, poor appetite, and Menopause.
The herb is available in bulk, in tablet and capsule form,
and as a liquid extract.
HERBAL USES
Traditionally, alfalfa has been used to
treat digestive problems, Water Retention, and Arthritis.
North American Indians used the plant to treat jaundice and
promote blood clotting (1). It has also been used as a tonic
for indigestion, dyspepsia, Anaemia, loss of appetite, and
poor assimilation of nutrients (2). The seeds were used to
treat Boils and insect bites.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
Part of the plant used: LEAF.
Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol), 5-10
ml three times daily (3).
Dried leaf, 500-1000 mg daily.
1-2 ml tincture three times per day (4).
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
High Cholesterol:
Alfalfa leaves contain a substance called saponin. Animal
studies have shown that saponins block cholesterol absorption
and prevent plaque formation (5,6).
Menopause:
Alfalfa leaves also contain isoflavones, which may produce
oestrogen-like activity in animals (7). For this reason, the
herb has been popularly recommended to treat menopausal symptoms.
However, clinical human studies have not yet been conducted
to verify its effectiveness.
Poor appetite:
Alfalfa has also been used to improve appetite.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
When used as directed, alfalfa is generally
quite safe, aside from occasional reported allergies. Use
in excessive dosages may be harmful, however. Studies have
shown that excessive dosages of seeds or sprouts are associated
with systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease
characterized by inflamed joints and kidney damage (8). People
with SLE or a history of SLE are advised to avoid use of alfalfa
products.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Alfalfa contains coumarin, which has anticoagulant
properties. Coumarin may interact with the action of almost
any drug. Alfalfa may interact with quinidine, an antiarrhythmic
agent. Allopurinol may increase the retention of alfalfa in
the body. Alfalfa may also interfere with the absorption of
tetracyclines - avoid taking large quantities of the herb
within two hours of taking tetracyclines.
Alfalfa is contra-indicated in Lupus.
REFERENCES
1. Briggs C. Alfalfa. Canadian Pharm J Mar
1994; 84,85,115.
2. Castleman M. The Healing herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press,
1991, 37-39.
3. Newall CA, Linda AA, and Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines:
A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical
Press, 1996.
4. Foster S. herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave
Press, 1996, 2-3.
5. 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.
6. Story JA. Alfalfa saponins and cholesterol interactions.
Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:917-29.
7. Shemesh M, Lindrer HR, Ayalon N. Affinity of rabbit uterine
oestradiol receptor for phyto-oestragens and its use in competitive
protein-binding radioassay for plasma coumestrol. J Reprod
Fertil 1972;29:1-9.
8. Malinow MR, Bardana EJ, Profsky B, et al. Systemic lupus
erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys fed alfalfa sprouts:
Role of a nonprotein amino acid. Science 1982;216:415-17.
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