Benefits of Alfalfa Leaf
Alfalfa is found in a variety of forms -- seeds, sprouts, leaves and extractions. It's cultivated as hay for livestock and as health food for humans. Alfalfa leaf is also an herbal remedy with numerous potential health benefits. As with any herbal supplement, before taking alfalfa, consult a health care professional to assure that it's safe and appropriate for your personal health needs.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Plant Background
Alfalfa is also known by its scientific name, Medicago sativa, as well as the common names lucerne, buffalo herb and purple medicle. It's a member of the legume family and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean, although it now grows throughout the world. The plant has a woody stem, narrow leaves and small purple flowers. Alfalfa's above-ground parts are used medicinally.
- Alfalfa is also known by its scientific name, Medicago sativa, as well as the common names lucerne, buffalo herb and purple medicle.
- Alfalfa's above-ground parts are used medicinally.
Nutrition
Herbs for Arthritis, Sciatica and Back Pain
Learn More
Alfalfa is a source of vitamins and minerals.
Menopause
Alfalfa has been used traditionally to address symptoms of menopause. In particular, it can help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, according to the University of Michigan Health System 2. Alfalfa's therapeutic action may be due to its constituent phytoestrogens -- substances that are molecularly similar to estrogen. Phytoestrogens may help balance estrogen-related activities in the body, which can be beneficial in menopause.
- Alfalfa has been used traditionally to address symptoms of menopause.
- Phytoestrogens may help balance estrogen-related activities in the body, which can be beneficial in menopause.
Cholesterol
Herbs That Affect Birth Control Pills
Learn More
Alfalfa contains phytosterols and saponins, which help block the absorption of cholesterol into the body. In turn, alfalfa can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood and help prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, can cause:
- problems in the heart
- lungs
- brain
- intestines
- kidneys
- limbs
Digestive Ailments
In the traditional medicine systems of China and India, alfalfa leaves are used to address digestive disorders. Similarly, eclectic physicians in the United States historically recommended alfalfa herb to alleviate indigestion, loss of appetite and poor assimilation of nutrients. Alfalfa's high nutrient content may contribute to its potential therapeutic effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Warnings
Alfalfa should be avoided by individuals with lupus, hormone-sensitive cancer or gout, as well as in pregnancy. Also, alfalfa can interact with certain medications; therefore, for safety considerations, consult your doctor before taking this herb.
Related Articles
References
- "Medicago Sativa Cinical Uses"; Clinical Application Medicago Sativa Extracts; Paul Reilly, N.D.; 1999
- University of Michigan Health System: Alfalfa
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Alfalfa
- Bora KS, Sharma A. Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: a review. Pharm Biol. 2011;49(2):211-20. doi:10.3109/13880209.2010.504732
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw. In: FoodData Central. Update February 1, 2009.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Alfalfa. In: MedlinePlus. Updated March 11, 2019.
- Shi Y, Guo R, Wang X, et al. The regulation of alfalfa saponin extract on key genes involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(2):e88282. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088282
- Amraie E, Farsani MK, Sadeghi L, et. al. The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Interv Med Appl Sci. 2015 Sep;7(3):124-8. doi:10.1556/1646.7.2015.3.7
- Bahmani M, Baharvand-ahmadi B, Tajeddini P, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Naghdi N. Identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of kidney and urinary stones. J Renal Inj Prev. 2016;5(3):129-33. doi:10.15171/jrip.2016.27
- Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women's health. Pharmacol Rev. 2016;68(4):1026-73. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843
- Othman N, Che Lamin RZ, Othman CN. Exploring behavior on the herbal galactagogue usage among Malay lactating mothers in Malaysia. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2014;153:199-208. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.054
- Choi KC, Hwang JM, Bang SJ, et al. Chloroform extract of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation by downregulating ERK/NF-κB signaling and cytokine production. J Med Food. 2013;16(5):410-20. doi:10.1089/jmf.2012.2679
- Constantin MM, Nita IE, Olteanu R, et al. Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Exp Ther Med. 2019;17(2):1085-90. doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6986
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA investigated multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts. May 13, 2016
- Patisaul HB, Jefferson W. The pros and cons of phytoestrogens. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2010;31(4):400-19. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. Updated October 2013.
Writer Bio
Robyn Hughes has been writing since 2008 about health, nutrition, fitness and botanical medicine. She is a naturopathic physician and freelance writer based in Durham, N.C. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in cognitive science from Indiana University and a doctoral degree from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Ore.