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Herbs & Supplements
Alfalfa
Other Names: Feuille de Luzerna, Lucerne, Medicago, Medicago sativa, Purple Medick
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Uses
Currently, the most convincing clinical evidence for a medical effect of alfalfa is for controlling cholesterol. In several animal and human studies, alfalfa supplements reduced blood cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals with a specific kind of high cholesterol known as type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Although the exact reasons are not understood completely, fibers and chemicals in alfalfa appear to stick to cholesterol, keeping it from staying in the blood or depositing in blood vessels. More of the harmful types of cholesterol leave the body, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL--the "good" kind of cholesterol--seems not to be affected.
Results of animal studies show that alfalfa may also lower blood sugar levels slightly due to its high manganese content. Manganese is a trace element that is thought to be involved with several body processes, including the use of carbohydrates from food. Some of the enzymes that control carbohydrate use and blood sugar levels depend on manganese as an activator. Low levels of manganese have been associated with diabetes in some studies. However, manganese may be toxic in high doses. For manganese, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences has set the adult tolerable upper limit (the highest amount of a substance that probably will not cause side effects for the majority of individuals taking it) at 11 mg per day. Side effects such as confusion, memory loss, stiffness, or trembling may result from taking too much manganese. Individuals who use a product containing manganese should be careful not to take more than 11 mg daily.
Theoretically (based on other laboratory and animal studies), alfalfa may also have other medical effects. It may have some ability to enhance immune system function. Chemicals in alfalfa also have mild diuretic properties, meaning they may promote the loss of water from the body. Therefore, alfalfa may relieve swelling caused by excess water accumulation. Because other components of alfalfa may act somewhat like the female hormone, estrogen, it has been suggested as potentially useful in relieving the symptoms of menopause. In some countries, alfalfa seeds are used as a folk remedy for asthma or other breathing conditions. No substantial proof exists to support the use of alfalfa in any of these conditions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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Who is this for? 
