1. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Classification

Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Fabales
Family: Leguminosae = Fabaceae (Bean Family)
Subfamily: Papilionoideae
Tribe: Trifolieae
Genus: Medicago L.
Species: Medicago sativa L.
Synonyms:

• Medicago afghanica (Bord.) Vassilcz.
• Medicago agropyretorum Vass.
• Medicago asiatica subsp. sinensis Sinskaya
• Medicago beipinensis Vassilcz.
• Medicago grandiflora (Grossheim) Vassilcz.
• Medicago kopetdaghi Vassilcz.
• Medicago ladac Vassilcz.
• Medicago mesopotamica Vassilcz.
• Medicago orientalis Vassilcz.
• Medicago polia (A. Brand) Vassilcz.
• Medicago praesativa Sinsk.
• Medicago praesativa subsp. Spontanea Sinsk.
• Medicago sativa var. grandiflora Grossh.
• Medicago sogdiana Vassilcz.
• Medicago tibetana (Alef.) Vassilcz.

Common Names: “Spanish clover”, “California clover”, “Chilean Clover”, “Buffalo Grass”, “Father of All Foods (Al-fal-fa)”, “Buffalo herb”, “lucerne”, “cultivated lucerne”, “purple medic”, “purple medick”, “purple medicle”, “medicago”. Spanish: “alfalfa”, “medicago”. French: “Feuille de Luzerna”.

2. Alfalfa Description

Habit: Perennial herb, 30 cm tall. Its taproot is pivot-like, several meters long, branching or without branches, fleshy-fibrous at the ground level, several centimeters wide. The short and slender stems grow directly from the taproot. The base of the stems is perennial, sub-woody, and forms a ‘crown’ superficially buried, ramified, with many short rhizomes and numerous renewal buds; this crown can reach up to 10 cm to 20 cm wide or even more.

The stems are erect or ascending, scarcely pubescent, herbaceous, somewhat branching, 30 to 90 cm tall and even more, 3 cm to 5 cm in diameter, sub-tetragonal, with white pith, sometimes ephemeral (in ‘air-stem’ alfalfa), internodes up to 7 cm long.

Leaves: Alternate, trifoliate, with triangular-subulate stipules, dentate, the inferior third fused with the base of the petiole, up to 17 mm long. The petiole is grooved, 1 cm to 6 cm long. Three leaflets are present; the middle one is born from a petiolule longer than the lateral petiolules, 3 mm to 6 mm long. All the three leaflets are denticulate in the apical half or the apical third. The leaflets of the lower leaves are obovate or orbicular; the leaflets of the upper leaves are oblanceolate to oblong, 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm long by 0.5 cm to 2.2 cm wide.

Flowers: The flowers are blue to purple. They are arranged in short axillary clusters, approximately 3 cm to 10 cm long, supported by a short lateral lineal bract and a short pedicel.
The flowers are zygomorphic, small, and papilionate (butterfly-like). The calyx is green, campanulate, and pentadentate, with subulate teeth; teeth subequal among them and quite a bit longer than the calyx tube.

The corolla is blue-violaceous, exceptionally white or whitish, approximately 1 cm long, with 5 petals (1 free standard; 2 free wings, and 2 petals joined forming a carina or keel). The corolla is perishable after flowering.

The flowering begins at the lower part of the cluster (raceme) and moves toward the upper part of the raceme. The pollination is by means of an irreversible and explosive trigger mechanism. Before the explosion, the stamens and pistil are near the carina (keel); then, all of them are lifted and leaning on the middle part of the standard.

The stamens are 10, diadelphous (9 fused altogether forming a tube and 1 free) enclosed by the carina.

The ovary is superior, linear, unicarpellate, and unilocular. The style is shortly incurved, wide, sub-cartilaginous, and glabrous (without hairs).
The stigma is capitate and apical.

Fruit: Pod that rolls in a characteristic manner, as a tight spiral, from 1 to 4 turns, brown or black when ripe, finely nervous-reticulate, marginate, lately dehiscent without elasticity. Each spire is approximately 5 mm to 6 mm in diameter, with a central orifice. The fruit presents several yellow seeds; these seeds are albuminated, reniform (kidney-shaped) or irregular, 2 mm to 3.2 mm long.

3. Alfalfa Origin, Distribution and Ecology

Origin: This plant species is native to Central Asia (Transcaucasia, Armenia, Persia, etc.). There exist wild types in the Caucasus and in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Iran and adjacent regions.

Distribution: Widely cultivated throughout the world as fodder plant for cattle. This is the most ancient and valuable fodder plant. In America, Medicago sativa L. is extensively cultivated since the arrival of Europeans. In Peru several varieties are cultivated from sea level to 3 700 m asl, in the Andes.

Ecology: Although Medicago sativa L. is a cultivated plant species, it can be currently found in the wild, at the edge of crop fields, around the roads and at open fields. Medicago sativa L. flowers during warm season. This plant species is a good melliferous plant and soil improver. The optimal weather conditions for this perennial herb are temperate-warm or subtropical semi-dry climates, and adapts well to irrigation; the soil must be deep, permeable, and calcium- and phosphorus-rich. Because of its deep root, Medicago sativa L. is able to develop well even in poor soils, since its root allow this plant species to extract nutrients from the deeper substrates, no matter if the superficial soil is exhausted. Furthermore, Medicago sativa L. has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen thanks to its association (symbiosis) with nitrifying bacteria, thus improving soil qualities.

Its deep root turns Medicago sativa L. also adequate in order to reduce soil erosion caused by running water. The estrogenic activity of Medicago sativa L. individuals in any given parcel of land is known to vary significantly, with the highest activity during full flowering and seed formation, and the lowest, during spring.

4. Alfalfa History

Medicago sativa L. is cultivated since time immemorial in Europe, Asia, and Africa as fodder plant species. This herb is considered the fodder plant with the highest nutritive value among all. It is also said that Medicago sativa L. produces the highest quantity of protein per hectare than any other fodder plant. In some parts of China and Russia, tender leaves are used as green vegetable. It is possible that shepherds or cattlemen have been the firsts who noticed the influence this herb exerted on cattle during pasturing. As time went on, this plant species turned from fodder plant to human-health improver plant.

The Chinese were already accustomed to use Medicago sativa L. in order to stimulate appetite and treat digestive disorders, especially ulcers. The old traditional Ayurvedic medicine recommends Medicago sativa L. in order to treat ulcers, alleviate arthritic pains and against retention of fluids.

In America, Medicago sativa L. is used in order to treat arthritis, furuncles, cancer, scurvy, and urinary and intestinal diseases. Pioneer’s women in the United States used Medicago sativa L. for alleviating menstrual disorders. In Peru, Medicago sativa L. is mainly used to stop hemorrhages an as a source of vitamins. Traditionally, Medicago sativa L. has also been used as a diuretic and its seeds against asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Herbalists consider Medicago sativa L. a major plant species. Some of its names in English are ‘the father of all foods’ and ‘the big daddy of ‘em’ (the herbs) because of its enormous nutritional value. This plant species is so rich in calcium that the ash in its leaves is almost 99% pure calcium. Medicago sativa L. is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. This herb is actually considered a medicinal food.

Besides its accepted nutritional value, Medicago sativa L. is valuable as medicine. Since early 20th century, some scientific studies were carried out in order to disclose Medicago sativa L.’s properties. The first studies performed in animals confirmed the high nutritional value of this plant species. Medicago sativa L. was then readily accepted as a strengthener for human food and as a medicine. Nowadays, Medicago sativa L. can be found in a variety of forms: seeds, tender shoots, tablets, and solid and liquid extracts.

One of the most promising uses of Medicago sativa L. is for maintaining hormonal balance in women. The first time the hormonal activity of Medicago sativa L. was discovered was in veterinary medicine. The animals pasturing in Medicago sativa L. fields were observed to periodically develop characteristics analogue to those of animals treated with synthetic estrogens. More conscientious studies determined in Medicago sativa L. the presence of a series of hormonally active compounds. The most important group of compounds hormonally active is constituted by phytoestrogens.

Today, Medicago sativa L. is being used in order to treat both hypoestrogenism (insufficient estrogen secretion) and hyperestrogenism (excessive estrogen secretion) due to its stabilizer ability or alterative; i. e., its capacity to maintain normal hormonal levels. In general, Medicago sativa L. is used in order to help women to overcome menopause in the best way possible, as well as for treating a series of disorders related to hormonal balance (breast cancer, fibrocystic breasts, hot flashes during menopause, osteoporosis, polycystic ovaries, etc.). Moreover, Medicago sativa L. is also being used in order to treat excessive cholesterol blood levels. Sterols and saponins present in it reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol, by which total cholesterol and triglycerides are reduced.

5. Alfalfa Uses

Alfalfa Supplements

Parts Used:

The whole plant: leaves, tender shoots, seeds, roots, and fruit.

· Leaves/tender shoots: A juice is obtained from tender leaves and shoots after crushing them. This juice is drunk as food and medicine. When dried and milled, the leaves and tender shoots are also used in order to elaborate a kind of flour termed ‘alfalfa flour’. This is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Chemical composition of Medicago sativa L. hay (after United States Department of Agriculture):

In order to use Medicago sativa L. as medicine for feminine diseases, some authorities recommend to harvest shoots and leaves during flowering and fructification, since apparently during this moment the highest estrogenic activity is obtained.

· Seeds: The seeds also have anti-cholesterolemic activity, and sometimes they are eaten as beans or sprouted. However, the use of the seeds as anti-cholesterolemic treatment is not much recommended. The seeds are known to contain a significant amount of a non-essential amino acid known as canavanin. Canavanin is a substance that is found in many legume seeds, and is known to compete –i. e. replace– arginine. In some individuals canavanin can cause a syndrome similar to lupus, although reversible.
Traditionally, the seeds have also been used against asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Properties:

Medicago sativa L. is used as/for/against:

after blood hemorrhages

• alkalinizer
• alleviates premenstrual syndrome
• alterative
• anodyne
• antiarthritic
• anti-atherogenic (against atherosclerosis)
• antibacterial (against some gram negative bacteria)
• anticancerous
• anticholesterolemic (cholesterol reducer)
• antidiabetic
• anti-dopaminergic
• anti-hemorrhagic
• antipyretic
• antirheumatic (in rheumatism associated with hyperacidity)
• antiscorbutic
• antispasmodic
• antiviral
• appetizer
• capillary weakness (strengthens blood vessels)
• cardiotonic
• colics
• combat the excess of prolactin
• convalescence
• depurative
• diuretic
• dysuria (cystitis)
• ecbolic (that promotes childbirth stimulating uterine contractions)
• emmenagogue
• estrogenic
• estrogen-sensible breast and uterus cancers
• favors the increase of muscle mass
• febrifuge
• fibrocystic breasts
• general tonic
• habitual cardiovascular indispositions
• haemostatic
• heart diseases preventative
• herpes simplex
• hot flashes during menopause
• hyperacid stomachs
• hyperestrogenism
• hypoestrogenism
• hypoglycemic
• immune-stimulant (in mice)
• improves the intellectual performance
• increases appetite
• increases sexual desire in women
• intestinal disorders
• lactagogue
• laxative
• menopause
• muscle relaxant
• nutritive food (vitamins and minerals)
• peptic ulcers
• polycystic ovaries
• protein allergies
• regulates menstruation
• secondary hypothyroidism
• sialogogue (increases saliva secretion)
• tonic against anemia
• treatment or prevention of osteoporosis
• urinary conditions
• uterine leiomyomas
• vaginal atrophy during menopause
• weakness

Medicago sativa L. is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A, B, B6, B12, C, E, niacin, panthotenic acid, folic acid, biotin, vitamin K1, amino acids, carotenes, chlorophyll, and most minerals that are required in trace amounts.

Studies carried out in animals have shown that Medicago sativa L. might reduce blood levels of sugar due to its high content of manganese. In a study performed at the University of California at Davis, extracts of Medicago sativa L. with a high content of manganese were also found to improve undoubtedly the conditions of diabetic individuals who do not respond to insulin.

Manganese is a chemical element required in trace amounts that is believed to be involved in the way the body manages carbohydrates taken from foods. Some of the enzymes that control the management of carbohydrates and blood levels of sugar depend on manganese as an activator. Some studies have associated low levels of manganese with diabetes. In a clinical study about nutrition, scientist determined that monkeys fed cholesterol-rich meals were less disposed to suffer atherosclerosis when had a nutritional supplement constituted by Medicago sativa L. This supplement was also found to reduce serum levels of cholesterol.

Medicago sativa L. has also been used in order to treat infections produced as a consequence of a chirurgical incision, burning pains caused by beds and conditions related to the inner ear.
One of the most promising uses for Medicago sativa L. is for the treatment of hormonal balance. Biochemical studies have determined the presence in Medicago sativa L. of a series of hormonally active compounds. The most important group of this type of compounds is constituted by phytoestrogens. Cumestrol, a phytoestrogen, is the most hormonally active compound, with a relative estrogenic activity of 5%. Cumestrol is followed by genisteine, other phytoestrogen, with 1% and formonetine, with 0.01%

The stabilizing or alterative effect of phytoestrogens means that they can be used both in cases of hypoestrogenism and hyperestrogenism. This is possible thanks to its ability to alter the biological response to endogenous estrogens. Let’s see how this is possible.

The estradiol receptors present in the body can bind a series of chemical compounds, steroids, isoflavones, and phytoestrogens among them. The binding of one molecule of phytoestrogen to an estrogen receptor allows this molecule to go through the cell membrane and enter the cell toward the cell nucleus and hence stimulate the growing of that cell the same way estradiol does.
In spite of having a very weak capacity to bind estradiol receptors, phytoestrogens can have a significant hormonal effect. This is owed to the scarce affinity for capturer proteins present in the blood. Because phytoestrogens are not captured by captor molecules present in the blood, concentration of phytoestrogens is higher in the target cells, which explains why despite of having a very low affinity for estradiol receptors they can have a significant effect in cases of hypoestrogenism.

Phytoestrogens are joined directly to the estrogen receptors, thus providing a moderate estrogenic effect. This effect is reinforced by the tendency of phytoestrogens to concentrate in the reproductive tissues, instead of concentrate in blood serum. This fact has been demonstrated both in field (feeding Medicago sativa L. to milch cows, a similar effect to that obtained administrating estrogen via parenteral can be obtained) and laboratory (measurements of the weight of uteri have shown effects equivalent to those of estradiol when enough phytoestrogens had been used). All these facts make possible the use of phytoestrogens as supplements for the treatment of diseases related to ipoestrogenism; i. e., hot flashes and vaginal atrophy during menopause and treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.

On the other hand, in cases of hyperestrogenism, phytoestrogens are similarly useful. Their relatively weak capacity for binding to reception sites is enough as to compete with endogenous estrogens by reducing the number of receptors available for endogenous estrogen, which is stronger, thus reducing the net estrogenic stimulation. This situation results more useful in conditions related to an excess of estrogen, such as premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breasts, uterine leiomyomas and estrogen-sensible breast and uterus cancers.

Phytoestrogens are not the only hormonally active compounds present in Medicago sativa L. At least one compound with anti-estrogenic activity has been identified. This compound is known to be soluble in chloroform and to reduce the activity of phytoestrogens diethylstilbestrol and estradiol. Apparently, this anti-estrogenic compound has a relative strength of approximately 12% the activity of proestrogen of the phytoestrogens and it would have complementary effects for the treatment of hyperestrogenism. The capacity of this substance to increase or diminish the estrogenic activity (it is, the ability to equilibrate the hormonal balance as it is necessary) turns it very useful, especially in natural medicine.

Other compound with hormonal activity present in Medicago sativa L. is a molecule analogue to the thyrotropin-releasing hormone or TRH. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is a molecule broadly distributed in the animal kingdom but unknown in the vegetable kingdom. The thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogue found in Medicago sativa L. has been proved to be biologically active in animals, probably via hypothalamus more than via pituitary, with the additional effect of inhibiting prolactin secretion. All this suggests that Medicago sativa L. could be used in therapy in order to treat secondary hypothyroidism as well as diseases caused by an excess of prolactin, such as polycystic ovaries.

A flavone termed tricine has also been discovered in Medicago sativa L. This flavone has the property to relax smooth muscles, although it is poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Although tricine has also estrogenic activity, this activity is extremely weak; besides, its concentration is too low that tricine is not a major reason for prescribing Medicago sativa L. However, its smooth muscle relaxing effect does constitute a very desirable side effect when prescribed in order to treat other diseases.

Medicago sativa L. also contains a substance with the ability to stimulate plant growing. this substance is known as triacontanol. Studies have been conducted in which 117 kg of an extract obtained from Medicago sativa L. have been applied on one hectare cultivated with tomato plants and as a result an increase of 10 metric tons of tomatoes in that hectare has been obtained.

There exists a substantial amount of scientific information confirming the use of Medicago sativa L. in order to reduce blood levels of cholesterol. The most conclusive clinic evidence is found in individuals with a specific kind of hypercholesterolemia known as hyperlipoproteinemia type II. Practically all the parts of Medicago sativa L. can be used for such purpose: seeds, leaves, roots. All of them have shown anti-cholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic properties, although the exact reasons are not entirely understood.

The flour obtained from Medicago sativa L. is known to reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), without reducing significantly high density lipoproteins (HDL), a situation that is obviously desirable. These facts lead to a significant reduction in the rate total cholesterol/high density lipoproteins (HDL), which is one of the best indicators for the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases.

The exact reason by which the flour of Medicago sativa L. acts in this way is unknown, although this flour seems to reduce intestinal absorption of both exogenous and endogenous cholesterol, besides of increasing fecal biliary excretion. The decrease in intestinal absorption of cholesterol is due to phytosterols present in Medicago sativa L.

Phytoesterols are plant sterols that, although having a limited intestinal absorption, can bind sites where normally cholesterol molecules taken from meals would bind. Hence, they become competitors of cholesterol molecules when passing through the intestine, thus contributing that way to diminish the final amounts of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines.

Some studies performed on rabbits, rats, and monkeys have shown that the inclusion of these phytosterols in a diet with an average content of cholesterol according to parameters of people from the United States reduces blood levels of cholesterol, as well as arteriosclerosis.

Saponins present in Medicago sativa L. also have an anti-cholesterolemic effect, although a little lesser than that of phytosterols. In a study, it was determined that rats fed a 1% saponin diet (with saponins taken from shoots of Medicago sativa L.) reduced significantly their blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, this rate of saponins seemed to be healthful, without any adverse effect on growing, mortality, blood levels of glucose, creatinine, potassium, calcium, total protein, and bilirubin, hematocrit and hepatic enzymes.

There exist other theoretical laboratory studies based on animals suggesting that Medicago sativa L. could have a stimulating effect on the functions of the immune system. Medicago sativa L. has also been used traditionally against asthma and other respiratory diseases, as mild diuretic, and in order to reduce swelling.

It has been determined that Medicago sativa L. inhibits the development of certain viruses, including herpes simplex virus.

Some in vitro studies have shown that L-canaverina present in Medicago sativa L. has antitumor activity against certain types of leukemia in mice and a selective toxicity against cancer cells in dogs.
The flour prepared from Medicago sativa L. is used as a diluent, in order to adjust the strength of powdered digitalis. In Indian traditional medicine, this flour is used as refreshing cataplasm against furuncles. In Colombia, the mucilaginous fruits are used against cough.

Phytochemicals:

• alkaloids
  • asparagine
  • trigoneline
  • stachydrine
  • L-homostachydrine
• amino acids (similar to those found in animal protein)
• thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogue
• sugars
• beta carotene
• chlorophyll
• cumarins
• digestive enzymes (8)
• phytosterols
  • beta-sitosterol
  • stigmasterol
• campestrol
• alpha-spinestrol
• phytoestrogens
  • cumestrol
  • genistein
  • formometin
  • diadzein
  • biocanine A
• flavones
  • tricin
• flavonoids
• L-canaverin
• minerals (Ca, K, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Al, B, Cr, Co, Mn, Mo, Se, Si, Na, Sn)
• octacosanol
• saponins
• vitamins (A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, niacin, panthotenic acid, biotin, folic acid)

Phytoestrogens are not true estrogens. They are substances with a molecular structure sufficiently similar to estrogens as to be mistaken by the body as such substances. Hence, phytoestrogens can bind the estradiol receptors. Medicago sativa L. possesses 5 phytoestrogens, 3 major and 2 minor. The 3 major are: cumestrol, genistein, and formonetin; the minor are diadzein and biocanin A. Most phytoestrogens are isoflavones, whereas cumestrol is a cumarin derivative. Although all of them lack a true steroidal structure, they do have at least one phenol ring and free hydroxyl groups in positions 7 and 12. The major phytosterols present in Medicago sativa L. are beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. In a lesser extent are found campestrol and alpha-spinestrol.

6. Alfalfa Dosage and Contraindications

Doses:

In order to obtain the desired effect, it is imperative to use those preparations from Medicago sativa L. containing the highest concentration possible. Teas and some tablets might not contain enough active principles as to get the desired effects. Always prefer extracts (solid, liquid) and tinctures. As an alimentary supplement, the fresh juice or the flour (powder) can be used.

• Against cholesterol or diabetes, take 2 capsules of powdered Medicago sativa L. after meals.
• Against infections, drink a fresh juice prepared in a blender from raw Medicago sativa L., 100 mL to 150 mL, orally or applied on the infected area.
• As a vitamin supplement, drink the fresh juice once a day, in the mornings.
• In order to gain weight, it is advisable to drink one cup of an infusion prepared from Medicago sativa L. at a rate 1:16 Medicago sativa L.:water.
• In general, ¼ to ½ teaspoon of solid extract or 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid extract or tincture are recommended.

Contraindications:

• The seeds of Medicago sativa L. contain canavanine, a non-essential amino acid. Laboratory studies carried out in monkeys that where regularly fed seeds of Medicago sativa L., it was observed that these animals developed a reversible syndrome similar to systemic erythematous lupus. Similar cases have also been reported in individuals who ate regularly these seeds. Be sure the preparations you take are not obtained from seeds of Medicago sativa L. Always prefer to have leaf flour than seeds or sprouts. Also avoid the tender plantlets.
• Medicago sativa L. has been observed to block vitamin E absorption. Although no serious problems have been reported, Medicago sativa L. might produce a deficiency of this vitamin. Take Medicago sativa L. moderately.
• An excessive intake of the tincture can cause stomachaches. High doses can also cause lethargy, heaviness, and irritability.
• Two cases of individuals that suffered systemic erythematous lupus and whose symptoms, that where inactivated, reappeared after they had eaten seeds of Medicago sativa L., have been reported. Thus, individuals suffering from systemic erythematous lupus should not eat seeds of Medicago sativa L.
• Studies performed in animals have shown that Medicago sativa L. causes constraint of uterine muscles. This effect might cause abortion, so that the ingestion of Medicago sativa L. is not recommended for pregnant women.
• Since 1995, several cases of bacterial contamination of seeds and sprouts of Medicago sativa L. have been reported. The eating of these materials contaminated with bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, muscle cramps, and vomits. Because of this fact, the eating of Medicago sativa L. is not advisable for little children nor elders, as well as individuals with a weak immune system.
• Women suffering of conditions relative to hormones, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroma, and breast, ovary, or uterus cancers, should not take Medicago sativa L. due to its possible hormonal effects.
• The administration of Medicago sativa L. is not recommended for men suffering from prostate cancer.
• The administration of Medicago sativa L. might turn sensible skins more vulnerable to the noxious action of sunlight or artificial light used in solariums. If you decide to use Medicago sativa L., you will be sure to use also solar protector.
• There exists one documented case of an individual who customarily ate more than 100 g of Medicago sativa L. seeds a day and developed a condition known as pancytopenia. During pancytopenia, normal red blood cell and leukocyte production diminish; gums begin to bleed, body lesions, fatigue and a minor resistance to infections are produced. When this individual stopped eating the seeds, its condition returned gradually to normality.
• Allergic reactions to Medicago sativa L. have been reported. People being allergic to beans are possible candidates for suffering allergy to Medicago sativa L. (Medicago sativa L. belongs to the same plant family than beans).

Drug Interactions:

In spite of being a natural product, if you are to take any preparation based on Medicago sativa L., consider the following:

• Because Medicago sativa L. might reduce blood levels of sugar, it might increase the effectiveness of medicines used in the treatment of diabetes, too. If you are taking such medicines, consult your doctor before taking Medicago sativa L.
• The potential diuretic effect of Medicago sativa L. might potentiate the effect of those medicines taken for such purpose. If you are taking diuretic drugs by prescription, consult your doctor before using Medicago sativa L.
• Medicago sativa L. contains a significant amount of vitamin K, an important substance for blood clotting. When taken simultaneously with an anticoagulant or any drug that prevents blood platelet agglutination or when taken regularly with aspirins (aspirins delays blood coagulation) Medicago sativa L. might annul this effect and contribute the formation of coagula. Ask your doctor if this is your case.
• Certain active compounds in Medicago sativa L. act in a similar way than body estrogens do. Medicago sativa L. taken by women who are receiving hormone replacing therapy or contraceptives might interfere with the way the body uses the drug. As a result, the hormone replacing therapy or contraceptives might not be as effective as they are expected to be. Some women might experience a series of side effects and the risk of a non desired pregnancy might slightly increase.
• Because Medicago sativa L. might potentiate the functions of the immune system, it might interfere with drugs used in order to suppress this system. If you have received a transplanted organ or if you are passing through situations that require the administration of immune system suppressors, it is not advisable for you to take Medicago sativa L.
• Medicago sativa L. may block the absorption of vitamin K. If you are taken regularly this vitamin, avoid the intake of Medicago sativa L.

7. Alfalfa Bibliography and References

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