Historical or traditional use(may or may not be supported by scientific studies):

Early Chinese physicians used young alfalfa leaves to treat disorders of the digestive tract. 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. The plant was also recommended to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers, and the seeds have been traditionally made into a poultice for the treatment of boils and insect bites.

Active constituents:

While the medicinal benefits of alfalfa are poorly understood, the constituents in alfalfa have been extensively studied. The leaves contain about 2�?% saponins. Animal studies indicate that these constituents block absorption of cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. However, consuming the large amounts of alfalfa seeds (80�?00 grams per day) needed to supply high doses of these saponins may potentially cause damage to red blood cells in the body. It has also been claimed that alfalfa is helpful for diabetes. But while high amounts of a water extract of the leaves led to increased insulin release in animal studies, there is no evidence that alfalfa would be useful for the treatment of diabetes in humans.  

The leaves also contain flavones, isoflavones, sterols, and coumarin derivatives. The isoflavones are probably responsible for the estrogen-like effects in animals. Although this has not been confirmed with human trials, alfalfa is used popularly to treat menopause symptoms. Alfalfa contains protein and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. Nutrient analysis demonstrates the presence of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.

How much is usually taken?

Dried alfalfa leaf is available as a bulk herb and in tablets or capsules. It is also available in liquid extracts. No therapeutic amount of alfalfa has been established for humans. Some herbalists recommend 500�?,000 mg of the dried leaf per day or 1�? ml of tincture three times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Use of the dried leaves of alfalfa in the amounts listed above is usually safe. There have been isolated reports of persons allergic to alfalfa. Ingestion of very large amounts (the equivalent of several servings) of the seed and/or sprouts has been linked to the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in animal studies. It has also been linked to the reactivation of SLE in persons consuming alfalfa tablets. SLE is an autoimmune illness 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.