Presented at the
Prairie Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Conference
Olds, Alberta - March 3-5, 1996
Medicago sativa
Family: Legume (Leguminoseae)
Common Names: Alfalfa,
Alphalfa, Buffalo herb.
Lucerne, Purple medic
Habitat North America, the
Mediterranean region, western Asia; foothills and mountain areas
Description A perennial
plant with a smooth, erect stem growing 2-3 feet tall. Alfalfa bears
grayish-green pinnately trifoliate leaves, with egg-shaped
leaflets; it looks much like a large clover. Its violet-purple
flowers grow in racemes from June to August, producing
spirally-coiled seed pods.
Medical Parts: Dried whole herb,
including blossoms; gathered at the beginning of flowering
season.
Alfalfa has been extensively
studied. Whole plant material contains many important substances,
including several saponins, many sterols, coumarin, flavonoids,
alkaloids, acids, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, proteins (25% by
weight), minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients. Whole
alfalfa also contains plenty of fibre with anticholesterolemic
properties.
Alfalfa is one of the most
nutritious foods known. Its calcium, carotene, chlorophyll, and
vitamin K content make alfalfa an important nutritional
supplement. Alfalfa root saponins can inhibit increases in blood
cholesterol levels by 25% in experimental animals fed a high
cholesterol diet. Offsetting this positive effect are findings
that the root is hemolytic and may interfere with vitamin E
metabolism.
High concentration of vitamin K
found in whole alfalfa has beneficial effects on several forms of
hemolytic disease. Alfalfa has antitumoral and antibacterial
properties. In folk medicine, it has been used as a tonic and
appetizer, and as a diuretic to relieve urinary and bowel
problems. Perhaps the most common modern use of alfalfa is in the
treatment of symptomatic arthritis, but although numerous
clinical and anecdotal reports are available, no scientific
research has been done on its effectiveness.
Alfalfa Contains Vitamin K, An
Antihemolytic Agent
Vitamin K is found in many green
leafy plants, but is especially abundant in alfalfa. The herb has
therefore been effectively used in treatment of vitamin K
disorders in man. When the delivery of bile to the bowel is
hindered, as in obstructive jaundice or biliary fistula, a
bleeding disorder may arise. Other bleeding disorders may result
from the use of artificial formulas to feed newborns, protracted
antibiotic therapy, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic diarrhea
and steatorrhea, and from the misuse of anticoagulants, aspirin,
and anticonvulsant drugs.
Alfalfa Has Antibiotic
Properties
The saponins in alfalfa have been
shown to be antifungal. This activity is concentrated mainly in
the medicagenic acid fraction.
Alfalfa has shown some activity
against tuberculosis bacteria, while aqueous and volatile
extracts of alfalfa are antibacterial against gram negative
bacteria.
Alfalfa Has Antitumor Action
Basic proteins (histones)
displaying antitumor activity without undesired side effects
occur in alfalfa. These substances contain high levels of
l-lysine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Tumor stimulating
fractions were also found, containing large amounts of l-arginine.
This basic relationship requires further study.
Other Pharmacology Of Alfalfa
Tricin has been isolated from
alfalfa and found to cause smooth muscle relaxation in guinea pig
intestinal tissue, and to have some slight estrogenic property.
Alfalfa Is Highly Nutritious
The nutrient content of alfalfa is
one of the richest known, making it a useful livestock fodder and
a highly recommended herb for the human diet as well.
Alfalfa Root Pharmacology
The hypocholesterolemic effect of
alfalfa root saponins has been thoroughly established. Alfalfa
root saponins can inhibit increases in blood cholesterol levels
by 25% in experimental animals fed a high cholesterol diet.
Alfalfa root saponins also have a
hemolytic effect. It appears this hemolytic effect is the result
of a marked reduction in prothrombin factor concentration. In
addition, they may interfere with the metabolism of vitamin E.
Possible Interactions
Alfalfa's hypoprothrombinemic
effect may be increased by the antiarrhythmic agent, quinidine.
In addition, allopurinol has been tentatively shown to increase
the half-life of anticoagulants.
Comments
Alfalfa is high in iron, which may
cause it to interfere with the absorption of tetracyclines. This
is especially true if large quantities of the herb are ingested
within two hours of taking tetracyclines. It should also be noted
animal studies indicate iron plus allopurinol may lead to
increased hepatic iron concentration.
Alfalfa may, because of the
presence of eugenol in the herb, inhibit certain liver microsomal
hydroxylating systems. This produces toxic effects from drugs
normally metabolized by those systems.
It should be noted while the
coumarin content of alfalfa is not high at normal usage levels,
coumarins can effect the action of almost any drug.
The presence of tyramine and/or
typtophan in alfalfa could produce hypertension if monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) are also being used. However, this is
not a likely interaction.
Generally regarded as safe by the
FDA.
Contact dermatitis has occurred in
hypersensitive individuals. Alfalfa root saponins are hemolytic
and may also interfere with the metabolism of vitamin E; however,
above-ground parts have just the opposite effects.
The toxic effects of alfalfa root
saponins have been shown to be counteracted by cholesterol and
betasitosterol.
ALFALFA
is a vitality augmenter. The idea of humans consuming something
that is generally grown as feed for animals has never really
gained widespread acceptance with the general public. But
considered as a spring tonic, Alfalfa has no equal. It is one of
the best single sources of protein, and is very high in vitamins
A, D, E, B-6, and K, calcium, magnesium, chlorophyll,
phosphorous, iron, potassium, trace minerals and several
digestive enzymes. Alfalfa is one of the most studied plants
available. We know it contains many important substances,
including several saponins, many sterols, flavonoids, coumarins,
alkaloids, acids, vitamins, amino acids, natural sugars, proteins
(25% by weight), minerals, trace elements and other
essential nutrients. Alfalfa saponins inhibit increases in blood
cholesterol levels by 25% in laboratory experiments with monkeys,
rats and rabbits. Other components of Alfalfa greatly enhance the
action of the saponins by binding the bile acids that are
necessary for cholesterol absorption. French scientists have
shown that Alfalfa can reduce tissue damage caused by another
modern medical technique - radiotherapy. Also of interest are the
effects of vitamin K, found in high concentrations in Alfalfa. In
man, dietary vitamin K can remedy bleeding disorders which occur
when the delivery of bile to the bowel is hindered, as for
example in obstructive jaundice or biliary fistula. It is also
important to remember that Alfalfa is a fiber. As such, it has
been shown, along with Bran and Pectin, to bind & neutralize
various types of agents carcinogenic to the colon. Finally, some
work suggests that Alfalfa induces activity in a complex cellular
system that inactivates dietary chemical carcinogens in the liver
and small intestine before they have a chance to do the body any
harm.
 Alfalfa
has more protein and calcium than beef, milk or eggs. It also
contains all nutrients/vitamins that the human body needs.
Protein Content
Alfalfa 18.9%
Beef 16.5%
Eggs 13.1%
Milk 3.3%
Major VITAMINS found in Alfalfa:
Vitamin A for night vision. Builds resistance to
infections, especially in the respiratory tract; promotes growth
ands vitality; promotes healthy skin and is essential in
pregnancy.
Vitamin E protects cells against damage from sun's
radiation and air pollution; promotes heart, cardiovascular and
muscle health and improved immune function; promotes muscle tone
in the body; helps bring nutrients to cells and helps strengthen
blood vessel walls, including capillary walls; helps proper
focusing of the eyes.
Vitamin U promotes health of body to help overcome peptic
ulcers.
Vitamin B6 helps food assimilation and protein and fat
metabolism; promotes nerve and skin health; helps battle nausea
symptoms.
Vitamin K essential for blood clotting; important in
liver functions; may possibly contribute to vitality and
longevity.
Vitamin D regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in
the body and is therefore necessary for the proper formation of
strong and healthy teeth and bones.
MINERALS found in Alfalfa:
Calcium builds and maintains bones and teeth; helps clot
blood, aids in vitality and endurance; regulates heart rhythm,
soothes nerves.
Iron required in manufacturing hemoglobin; helps carry
oxygen in the blood.
Potassium necessary for normal muscle tone, nerves, heart
action and enzyme reactions; digests fats.
Phosphorus needed for normal bone and tooth structure.
Interrelated with action of calcium and Vitamin D. Improves
nourishment of nerve tissue.
Chlorine (chloride) an essential electrolyte which cleans
and purifies the body; regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism.
Sodium regulates fluid balance throughout body;
neutralizes acids, prevents clotting of blood; activates spleen,
bowels and stomach functions.
Silicon Magnesium helps body to deal with constipation;
steadies the nerves; has protective effect on skin and body;
stimulates brain function.
Other
properties of alfalfa:
High in protein alfalfa has 18.9% as compared to beef at
16.5%, milk at 3.3% and eggs at 13.1%. (Muscles are composed of
protein and the lack of it results in fatigue and weakness.)
Alfalfa's
deep roots seek out minerals in the subsoil, which are
inaccessible to other plants. The average alfalfa plant has roots
10 to 20 feet long or more.
Alfalfa
leaves are extremely rich in calcium...this accounts for the
claims of herbalists and doctors concerning the benefits of using
alfalfa for repairing tooth damage and strengthening the
structure of the teeth. Calcium is also necessary for proper
muscle function--That includes the heart muscle as well. Calcium
regulates the heart rhythm. How much simpler to indulge in
alfalfa early in life rather than a pacemaker in later life.
The
protein content in alfalfa is quite high; in fact, pound for
pound it outranks beef, milk, and eggs. It not only does that but
it is free of non-toxic, mucus-forming elements which promote
healing of the body rather than the abject degeneration of the
human system.
We have often heard that there is no
vegetable source of Vitamin D. The sun, of course, is our
favorite source. But did you know that alfalfa contains 4740
International Units of Vitamin D per pound? We'll talk more about
this later.
In addition to the aforementioned
nutrients alfalfa also contains Vitamins K, A, E, B, and U.
Vitamin K is essential in the clotting of blood and is a
preventative measure against hemorrhages. Many historical
hemophiliacs would have benefited themselves had they considered
the lowly alfalfa plant as something more than 'munchies' for
their herds. We know of several cases where women who have just
delivered babies have eaten alfalfa tablets like candy directly
after the birth in order to shorten the postpartum bleeding time.
Alfalfa is also a remarkable herb to bring in milk in a nursing
mother. It has also been observed that Vitamin K is instrumental
in lowering high blood pressure.
Vitamin E
is contained in alfalfa to the tune of 173.8 mg. per pound.
Vitamin E is essential for the proper functioning of the
reproductive system, and the Vitamin E found in alfalfa is so
much more valuable than the synthetic variety which is not
readily assimilated by the body. According to my personally
supervised laboratory analysis of field dried alfalfa the
following results were obtained:
Moisture:
9.5% Carbohydrate: 3.7% Protein: 15.3% Nitrogen: 50.9%
Fat: 1.9%
Calcium: 1.47% Fiber: 28.6 Phosphorus: 0.24%
Ash: 8.0%
Potassium: 1.97% Sodium: 0.15% Copper: 8.3%
Chlorine:
0.28% Zinc: 6.9% Magnesium: 0.31% Sulfur: 0.29%
Iron:
0.017% Manganese: 25.4%
The
following results have been reported in milligrams per pound:
Carotene:
123 mg/lb
Vitamin A: 104,833 mg/lb - This is
extremely high for a food
Thiamin:
2.5 mg/lb
Niacin: 18.0 mg/lb
Pantothenic acid: 9.0 mg/lb
Biotin:
0.15 mg/lb
Chlorine, Folic acid, Pyridoxine:
found in very small amounts. Also Bentaine.
As
mentioned earlier, Vitamin D is found as 4740 International Units
per pound of dried alfalfa. There is 173.8 IU's of Vitamin E in
the specimen we gave for analysis. All these figures will, of
course vary with the time and season of the harvest. Our sample
had 9.4 mg. per pound of Vitamin K, the clotting factor.
Now for
the percentages of the essential amino acids found in alfalfa:
Argenine:
0.8%
Methionine: 0.1%
Cystine:
0.4%
Phenylalanine: 0.8%
Histidine:
0.3%
Threonine: 0.7%
Isoleucene:
0.9%
Tryptophan: 0.3%
Leucine:
1.3%
Tryosine: 0.6%
Lysine:
1.1%
Valine: 0.8%
Vitamin U,
generally found in cabbage juice, acts as a healing agent in
ulcers both in humans and laboratory animals according to many
researchers.
Alfalfa also contains a saponin which
is a substance that forms colloidal dispersion (a soap suds-like
reaction) when shaken with water. The steroid saponins have been
recently successfully investigated for their suitability as
cortisone and hormone precursors. |
