ALTERNATIVE treatments

ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L)

Description: Alfalfa is native to Eastern Mediterranean Europe and the Middle East and was first mentioned in literature by Pliny (AD 23-79) as being introduced to Greece by Darius, King of Persia (550-486 BC). Alfalfa can now be found throughout the world. Originally cultivated by the Greeks and Romans, alfalfa is currently produced primarily as a fodder crop in North America. This perennial herb, with clover-like, three-lobe leaves and spiraling seed pods, grows to approximately 1 metre (36"). Its flowers range in color from purplish-blue to yellow.

Traditional use: Although alfalfa has been used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine (to treat digestive disorders) and Ayurvedic Medicine (for digestive conditions, as a diuretic and in the treatment of arthritis), it is not often mentioned in North American textbooks of herbal medicine.

Current medicinal use: Modern day herbalists consider alfalfa to be a good general tonic, due largely to its reputation as an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and protein. While more research is needed, alfalfa may be effective in reducing high cholesterol levels. Evidence from traditional use suggests that alfalfa may also be helpful in managing menopause and menstrual discomfort.

Women's health care: The isoflavones found in alfalfa (genistein, daidzein) have also been extracted from other plants and shown to have phytoestrogenic properties. Consequently, alfalfa has been suggested by many complementary practitioners to be useful in the management of menopause and menstrual discomfort.

Cautions and contraindications: Patients with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) should avoid alfalfa. seeds should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. In rare cases, diarrhea and stomach upset may occur. Alfafa may also theoretically cause photosensitivity.

Drug interactions: Given the possible anti-coagulant action of the vitamin K and the coumarins (e.g., medicagol) found in alfalfa, excessive doses may interfere with concomitant anti-coagulant therapy (blood thinners). However, simple coumarins have more toxicity to rodents and dogs than humans. A more significant risk occurs when the plant becomes infected with mould and the coumarin is converted to the more potent anti-coagulant dicoumarol. Thus quality control for mould-free products is a significant issue here. In addition, the estrogenic nature of the isoflavones present may interfere with hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills if taken in excessive doses.

Excerpted with permission from The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs, by Heather Boon and Michael Smith, Robert Rose, Inc. 2004, Toronto, ISBN: 0-7788-0081-4.

By Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD & Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND

Copyright Initiatives for Women's Health, Inc. Sep/Oct 2005
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved