What are the health benefits of alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a rich source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin
C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Without much scientific evidence, alfalfa is believed to have benefit on
various conditions such as high cholesterol, menopause and poor
appetite. In the old times, Chinese and Indian physicians used young
alfalfa leaves to treat digestive disorders [1]. And, North American Indians
used alfalfa to treat jaundice and encourage blood clotting.

In 19th century, some herbalists used Alfalfa as a tonic for indigestion,
dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and poor assimilation of nutrients.[2]

Alfafa's leaves contain approximately 3% saponins[3]. These saponins may
contribute alfalfa's benefits on cholesterol-lowering effects. Animal studies
suggest that these alfalfa constituents block cholesterol absorption and
prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques[4]. One small human trial
found that 120 grams per day of heat-treated alfalfa seeds for eight weeks
led to a modest reduction in cholesterol[5]

Alfalfa leaves contain flavones, isoflavones, sterols, and coumarin
derivatives. The isoflavones may also cause the estrogen-like effects seen
in animal studies[7, 9]. Alfalfa is sometimes used to treat menopause
symptoms.

What are the side effects of alfalfa?
Consuming the large amounts of alfalfa seeds may cause damage to red
blood cells [6].

Akaoqi J and coworkers at University of Florida reported the association of
SLE and alfalfa in a volunteer who developed lupus-like autoimmunity while
ingesting alfalfa seed for a hypercholesterolemia study. [8]

References:
1. Briggs C. Alfalfa. Canadian Pharm J 1994;Mar.2. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA:
Rodale Press, 1991.3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in
Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996. 4. Story JA. Alfalfa
saponins and cholesterol interactions. Am J Clin Nutr 1984. 5. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson
AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in
patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987. 6. Malinow MR, Bardana EJ,
Goodnight SH. Pancytopenia during ingestion of alfalfa seeds. Lancet 1981. 7. Shemesh M, Lindrer
HR, Ayalon N. Affinity of rabbit uterine oestradiol receptor for phyto-oestragens and its use in
competitive protein-binding radioassay for plasma coumestrol. J Reprod Fertil 1972. 8 Akaoqi J. et
al, Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity. Autoimmun. Rev. 2006
Jul';5(6):429-35. Epub 2005 Dec 29. [9] Branca F and Lorenzetti S Health effects of phytoestrogens.
Forum Nutr. 2005; (57): 100-11.

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alfafa should be spelled as alfalfa.
Alfalfa Benefits and Side Effects
zhion@zhion.com
Alfalfa (lucerne) is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region a member of the pea family. Its sprout is a popular food. Its dried
leaves and heat-treated seeds are used as herbal supplements.
Photo by Keith Weller
USDA