Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Alfalfa is widely advocated for consumption in the form of a tea or as tablets or capsules of the dried plant itself for a variety of ailments. We read testimonials to the efficacy of alfalfa tea in the cure of various types of arthritic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. Advocates also tell us that large quantities of alfalfa tablets taken before meals will prevent the absorption of cholesterol, thus benefiting our arterial blood flow and especially our heart. Claims are made for the effectiveness of the tea in treating diabetes and in stimulating the appetite and acting as a general tonic. A recent study evaluated the effect of an alfalfa aqueous extract (1mg/ml) on insulin release in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. At a dose of 62.5g/kg of body weight, an insulin-releasing and antihyperglycemic activity was observed.

Scientific or clinical evidence in support of all but antidiabetic claims is scanty or totally lacking. There is one report that saponins of alfalfa root, which is not the part of the plant generally used, prevented an expected increase in plasma cholesterol in monkeys. Counterbalancing this, however, is evidence that alfalfa saponins are hemolytic and may interfere with the utilization of vitamin E.

Because of its importance as an animal feed, alfalfa has been the subject of numerous and detailed chemical analyses. They have revealed the presence, in addition to the aforementioned saponins, of such constituents as fiber, protein, fats, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc.), organic acids, vitamin K, a small amount of vitamin C, various pigments including chlorophyll, and the like. Although some of these compounds do possess minor physiological activities, none is of significant therapeutic value, at least in the amount present in reasonable quantities of the herb. Considering the absolute lack of any proof of their utility in human medicine, alfalfa tablets, which presently may be purchased for a penny a piece, are still a bad buy. If you enjoy the taste of alfalfa sprouts in salads, they are refreshing and generally harmless, so feel free to eat them, at least in moderation.

There is good reason to insert the words "in moderation" in the last sentence. Since 1981, it has been recognized that eating very large quantities of alfalfa seeds daily could produce irreversible blood abnormalities (pancytopenia) in human beings. Subsequent studies have shown that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an inflammatory connective tissue disease, can be induced in normal monkeys by feeding alfalfa seeds or sprouts. Also, persons suffering from clinically inactive SLE may have that condition reactivated by taking quantities of alfalfa tablets. It seems likely that a nonprotein amino acid, L-canavanine, contained in alfalfa may play a role in causing the blood abnormalities and in inducing or reactivating SLE in persons having a predisposition to that condition. These latter individuals should be very cautious about consuming any alfalfa product, and since predisposition may not always be recognized, moderation seems generally advisable.

To make your own sprouts, soak a teaspoon of alfalfa seeds in a quart of tepid water overnight. Next morning, rinse the seeds thoroughly with tepid water and drain. Place them in a jar tightly covered with damp cheesecloth. Store in a dark place. Twice a day, rinse the sprouting seeds and drain them well, returning them to the dark after each rinse. After 4 to 5 days, place the sprouts in the sunlight for a few hours to green them, then store in the refrigerator. Use alfalfa sprouts instead of lettuce, since they are far more nutritious.

According to an August 1984 report in the Journal of Nutrition, scientists at the University of California at Davis found that alfalfa extracts with a lot of manganese definitely improved the condition of a diabetic who failed to respond to insulin. Two capsules twice or three times daily might be worth trying in instances such as this.

Powdered alfalfa contains vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, and K1, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, etc., as well as many essential and nonessential amino acids. Additionally, it contains 15-25% proteins, major minerals and trace elements like calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper, together with many naturally occurring sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc.).

Other names

• Buffalo Herb
• Lucerne
• Mu-su
• Purple Medic

Parts used

Aerial parts, sprouting seeds.

Uses

Alfalfa is perhaps more therapeutically useful as a food than a medicine. It is given to convalescents who require easily assimilated nutrients. In view of alfalfa's estrogenic activity, it could prove useful in treating problems relating to menstruation and menopause.
Alfalfa is also used to treat jellyfish sting.

Habitat & cultivation

Native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa, alfalfa is found in meadows and in both open and cultivated areas. Grown in temperate climates as a fodder crop, alfalfa is harvested in summer.

Constituents

Alfalfa contains proteins, sugars, chlorophyll, plant estrogens, minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon), beta-carotene, vitamins B, C, E and K, enzymes.

How much to take

Dried alfalfa leaf is available as a bulk herb and in tablets or capsules. Alfalfa 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.

Side effects

Moderate use of the dried leaves of alfalfa is usually safe. There have been isolated reports of persons allergic to alfalfa. Ingestion of large amounts of the seed and/or sprouts has been linked to the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in animal studies. SLE is a dangerous autoimmune illness that is characterized by inflamed joints and potential kidney damage. The chemical responsible for this effect is believed to be canavanine. Persons with SLE or with a history of SLE should avoid the use of alfalfa products.

Applications

The best way to eat alfalfa is to eat it raw, in a salad or sandwich. Adult alfalfa leaves picked in fields are, however, richer in chlorophyll and minerals. They help in treating ulcers, sore throat, stomach ulcers, lack of appetite and anemia. They also lower the level of bad cholesterol. Herbal tea made from alfalfa can be drunk over the long term, but in small doses because it can cause bloating if more than 3 cups form is a good way to meet the daily requirement of minerals and proteins.

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