Alfalfa, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, is a nutrient-rich herb with a number of health benefits. This article will discuss the various traditional uses of this medicinal plant, its health benefits and scientific studies showing its efficacy.
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| Alfalfa plant (Medicago sativa) |
What is Alfalfa?
Alfalfa is
a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family and is native to
Asia and eastern Mediterranean regions. Alfalfa is widely cultivated as a
forage crop, used to feed animals and as a cover crop. It is also used for its
medicinal properties as we’ll discuss.
Alfalfa
has trifoliate leaves with serrated edges and clusters of small, purple
flowers. It grows up to three feet tall and thrives in well-drained soil, often
found in fields and meadows.
The
primary compounds found in alfalfa include saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids,
coumarins, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll.
Traditional Uses of Alfalfa
Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM): Alfalfa has been used in TCM to treat digestive
disorders, kidney problems, and to promote overall health and vitality.
Ayurveda:
In Ayurvedic medicine, alfalfa is believed to balance the doshas and improve
digestion, blood circulation, and immunity.
Native
American Medicine: Native American tribes used alfalfa for its medicinal
properties, including as a remedy for digestive issues and to boost energy
levels.
Middle Eastern Medicine: Alfalfa has been used to heal wounds and antioxidant.
Health Benefits of Alfalfa
Nutrient-Rich:
Alfalfa is highly nutritious, containing vitamins (such as A, C, E, and K),
minerals (including calcium, magnesium, and iron), and phytonutrients.It also
contains saponins, estrogenic isoflavonoids such as daidzein, genistein, and
amino acids including L-canavanine.
Detoxification: Its high chlorophyll content
supports the body's detoxification processes, aiding in the elimination of
toxins.
Anti-inflammatory:
Alfalfa possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce
inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel
disease.
Cholesterol Reduction: Some studies suggest
that alfalfa may help lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of
cardiovascular diseases.
Digestive
Health: It contains dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health by
supporting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Galactagogue: Alfalfa contains compounds the significantly boost breastmilk production according to some research and traditional use.
Sperm Count: Recent research has found that alfalfa can boost men's sperm counts and motility.
Research on Alfalfa
Beyond some of the research mentioned above, a number of studies have investigated alfalfa's health benefits. Many studies have documented alfalfa's significant nutritional benefits as they apply to animals, and to the use of alfalfa sprouts.
A 2024 study of 60 men gave 6 grams of alfalfa powder or a placebo for three months. At the end of the period, the scientists found that alfalfa significantly boosted total sperm count by over 25 percent. The placebo group saw little change. The alfalfa powder also significantly increased sperm motility and increased sperm morphology.
The
researchers concluded:
“In this study, significant improvement was detected in sperm parameters (except semen volume) of men with idiopathic infertility in M. sativa plus vitamin E group in compare to vitamin E alone after 12 weeks.”
A 2011
review of research found that alfalfa was: “neuroprotective,
hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antiulcer, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic,
estrogenic, and in the treatment of atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke,
cancer, diabetes and menopausal symptoms in women.”
A 2019
study also found that alfalfa showed significant antioxidant and neuroprotective
activities.
Scientific References
Shahmirzadi
AS, Shafi H, Shirafkan H, Memariani Z, Gorji N, Moeini R. Effect of Medicago
sativa seed powder (Plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone) on semen analysis in men
with idiopathic infertility: A double blind randomized clinical trial. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 25;322:117606. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117606.
Bora KS,
Sharma A. Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: a
review. Pharm Biol. 2011 Feb;49(2):211-20. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2010.504732.
Liu X,
Xu S, Ding X, Yue D, Bian J, Zhang X, Zhang G, Gao P. Structural characteristics
of Medicago Sativa L. Polysaccharides and Se-modified polysaccharides as well
as their antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020
Mar 15;147:1099-1106. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.078.
Hadidi
M, Hossienpour Y, Nooshkam M, Mahfouzi M, Gharagozlou M, Aliakbari FS,
Aghababaei F, McClement DJ. Green leaf proteins: a sustainable source of edible
plant-based proteins. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(29):10855-10872. doi:
10.1080/10408398.2023.2229436.
Hadidi
M, Hossienpour Y, Nooshkam M, Mahfouzi M, Gharagozlou M, Aliakbari FS,
Aghababaei F, McClement DJ. Green leaf proteins: a sustainable source of edible
plant-based proteins. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(29):10855-10872. doi:
10.1080/10408398.2023.2229436.
Li D,
Liu D, Lv M, Gao P, Liu X. Isolation of triterpenoid saponins from Medicago
sativa L. with neuroprotective activities. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2020 Feb
15;30(4):126956. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.126956.
Farnsworth
NR. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995
Nov;62(5):1026-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/62.5.1026.
Solati
K, Karimi M, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Abbasi N, Abbaszadeh S, Bahmani M. Phytotherapy
for Wound Healing: The Most Important Herbal Plants in Wound Healing Based on
Iranian Ethnobotanical Documents. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(4):500-519.
Drugs
and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute
of Child Health and Human Development; 2006–. Alfalfa. 2021 Jun 21.
Forinash
AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the
breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1392-404. doi:
10.1345/aph.1R167.