Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): Benefits, Uses, Safety and Dosing

Alfalfa, also called lucerne, is a common forage crop in many countries and is used as silage and hay for livestock. It comes from the Arabic word ‘al-fasfasa,’ meaning ‘fresh fodder.’ There have been reports that alfalfa leaf preparations were used in the relief of kidney and prostate disorders. It is also a commercial source of chlorophyll and carotene.

Alfalfa aids in:

• Supporting digestion through its high fiber content
• May aid in lowering bad cholesterol in the body
• May alleviate menstruation symptoms due to the presence of phytoestrogens
• Helps reduce oxidative stress to the body
• May improve blood sugar levels

Medical Uses and ethnopharmacological profile of Alfalfa

Traditional uses

Ancient Arabs used it as a diuretic in various bladder problems. The leaves were also used for relieving dyspepsia and as an antiasthmatic. It has also been used herbally to reduce arthritis inflammation and lower sugar. It was also used to promote lactation traditionally.

Clinical Uses and Research

Menopausal relief– It was found to reduce hot flushes and night sweats in menopausal women when used in combination with sage, a direct effect of the phytoestrogens found within alfalfa.

Aids in cholesterol reduction-The saponins and fiber bind in vitro to cholesterol, reducing reabsorption and lowering cholesterol. Alfalfa seeds help to normalize serum cholesterol concentrations in patients with type 2 hyperlipoproteinemia. Al Sanafi 2021

Type 1 and 2 diabetes: In both randomized and clinical case studies, 8 grams of leaf powder and capsule administration reduced post-meal glucose levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. (Salih 2019) (Kimia 2022)

Nutraceutical support: Observational clinical review with whole herbs was used effectively as support treatment for nutritional deficiencies and anemia. Freeze-dried juice was high in protein and mineral content like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C and K.

Anxiolytic effect-methanolic extract of 100 mg/kg produced an anxiolytic effect in mice in comparison to diazepam 2 mg. Flavonoids and the stachydrine alkaloid were speculated to act via modulation of the monoaminergic system or interaction with the GABA-A receptor complex.

Reduces blood sugars- The manganese content in a serving of 62.5 g/kg decreases hyperglycemia, as studied in diabetic mice. A study of aqueous extract 250-500 mg/kg for 4 weeks in diabetic rats also reduced fasting glucose levels.

Antioxidant- Chlorophyll acts as a scavenger of free radicals in the body, supports antioxidant defense, and protects cells from oxidative and inflammatory damage.

Anti-inflammatory- In vitro studies found a chloroform extract of alfalfa to reduce stimulation of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor that modulates inflammation.

Safety and Dosing Profile of Alfalfa

Forms and Dosing

Powders– dried leaves dried and crushed

Tablets/capsules– powdered leaves are compacted into tablets

Teas- 2 teaspoons of dried powder mixed with 200 ml of water and boiled for 10 minutes.

• 5-10 grams of dried herbs (leaves) thrice a day for general health.
• Seeds (40 grams) three times a day for high cholesterol.
• 8 grams of dried leaf powder once daily with meals for type 2 diabetes.
• 500 mg-1 gram of encapsulated leaf powder thrice daily for type 1 diabetes.
• 40-160 mg of aqueous/ethanolic extract once daily for menopausal symptom relief.

Side Effects and Interactions

Common side effects, especially if not well cleaned and prepared, are:

• Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
• Bacterial infections like salmonella
• Hyperkalemia
• Gas, bloating and loose stools in high doses due to saponin content

Avoid it in autoimmune diseases due to the presence of L-canavanine, which interferes with the immune system.

Avoid use in pregnancy due to possible uterine stimulation.

NB-Alfalfa often harbors pathogens like Escherichia coli and salmonella; hence, it should be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before consumption.