Other Names:
Fabaceae (pea family) / Chilean Clover / Kuthirai Masal (Tamil) / Lucerne (United Kingdom) / Lucerne Grass (India) / Purple Medic
Nutritionally beneficial for general well being, convalensce and anaemia.
Reduces cholesterol levels, aids the circulatory system, menopausal problems and fibroids.
There is convincing clinical evidence that alfalfa lowers cholesterol and improves the cholesterol panel. In several studies, alfalfa supplementation reduced blood cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals with a specific kind of high cholesterol known as type II hyperlipoproteinemia. It contains saponins which are thought to reduce cholesterol levels. Contains coumarins which act on the circulatory system reducing haemorrhage and strengthening blood vessel walls.
Contains 8 essential enzymes to enable foods to be assimilated in the body: The 8 essential enzymes assist in digesting all 4 classes of food: proteins, fats, starches and sugars.
Lipase ¿ fat splitting
Amylase ¿ acts on starches
Coagulase ¿ coagulates or clots blood
Emulsin ¿ acts upon sugar
Invertase - converts cane sugar to dextrose
Peroxidate ¿ oxidizing effect of blood
Pectinase ¿ forms vegetable jelly
Protase ¿ digests proteins
Contains Vitamin U, a vitamin found in green vegetables. It is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, colitis, and gastritis and has an effect on secretory, acid-forming, and enzymatic functions of the intestinal tract.
Research suggests a hormonal action and it is sometimes used for menopausal problems and fibroids.
Contra-Indications:
Allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
May thin the blood.
¿Auto-immune diseases¿ such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Alfalfa might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. There are two case reports of SLE patients experiencing disease flare after taking alfalfa seed products long-term. If you have an auto-immune condition, it¿s best to avoid using alfalfa until more is known.
Alfalfa contains L-cavanine, a substance that may cause abnormal blood cell counts, spleen enlargement, or recurrence of lupus in patients with controlled disease.
Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Alfalfa might have the same effects as the female hormone oestrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to oestrogen, don¿t use alfalfa.
Diabetes: Alfalfa might lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take alfalfa, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
Kidney transplant: There is one report of a kidney transplant rejection following the three-month use of a supplement that contained alfalfa and black cohosh. This outcome is more likely due to alfalfa than black cohosh. There is some evidence that alfalfa can boost the immune system and this might make the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine less effective.
Warnings:
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities
If symptoms persist for more than four weeks consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Not recommended for children. Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous. Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Interactions:
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Alfalfa. Alfalfa contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, alfalfa might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with Alfalfa. Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Alfalfa might have some of the same effects as estrogen. But alfalfa isn't as strong as the estrogen in birth control pills. Taking alfalfa along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with alfalfa, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Some birth control pills include ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Triphasil), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), and others.
Estrogens interacts with Alfalfa. Large amounts of alfalfa might have some of the same effects as estrogen. But even large amount of alfalfa aren't as strong as estrogen pills. Taking alfalfa along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressant¿s) interacts with Alfalfa. Alfalfa might increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, alfalfa might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with Alfalfa. Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Large doses of alfalfa might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Taking alfalfa along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun. Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
There are no other known interactions; however, with the proliferation of available drugs it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before taking this or any other supplements.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Not recommended. It is therefore always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner before taking any medication or supplements.
Not recommended. It is therefore always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Side Effects ¿ Only With Mega Doses:
If you are hypersensitive to or develop an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients, do not take or discontinue immediately.
Over Dosage:
Accidental overdose such as child ingesting a whole bottle. Obtain immediate medical assistance.
