View abstract. Unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site. Except for any possible exceptions written into your License Agreement, no reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. Alfalfa honey is one of the varieties that stands out as being a great addition to a healthy diet. Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., Naito, H. K., Lewis, L. A., and McNulty, W. P. Effect of alfalfa meal on shrinkage (regression) of atherosclerotic plaques during cholesterol feeding in monkeys. Effects of alfalfa saponins. Adv Exp Med Biol 1996;404:535-46. Written by Chemistry and biological activity of triterpenoid glycosides from Medicago sativa. Kaufman W. Alfalfa seed dermatitis. Endocrinology 1981;108:344-346. Bardana EJ Jr, Malinow MR, Houghton DC, et al. Malinow MR, McLaughlin P, Naito HK, and et al. Vopr.Pitan. Even though it is largely used for feed, alfalfa isn’t a grass like hay or wheat. Pharm Biol. Diabetologia 1990;33:462-4. Am J Transplant 2003;3:1608-9. Q.Rev.Biol 1977;52(2):155-178. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Alfalfa. However, taking alfalfa seeds long-term is LIKELY UNSAFE. To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, purchase sprouts that have been properly refrigerated and are not slimy, wilted, discolored, or smelly. home/cholesterol center/ cholesterol a-z list/ supplements a-z list /alfalfa article. Mohle-Boetani J, Werner B, Polumbo M, and et al. JAMA 2-6-2002;287:581-582. It’s actually a legume in the same family as peas and beans, and is grown in most agricultural regions of the western and northern United States, where it’s less susceptible to the root diseases that can infect it down south. There is some scientific evidence that alfalfa might help lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Hwang, J., Hodis, H. N., and Sevanian, A. Soy and alfalfa phytoestrogen extracts become potent low-density lipoprotein antioxidants in the presence of acerola cherry extract. In 2016, the FDA issued a warning about an outbreak of Salmonella infections in 12 states directly linked to alfalfa sprouts. What happens if the U.S. election is contested? View abstract. Certification does not mean that supplements are safe or effective, but it does ensure the ingredients on the product label are correct and pure. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361. It is unknown how robust these interactions may be or if they may require a dose adjustment or change in treatment. Malinow MR, McLaughlin P, et al. View abstract. URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/19.html. J Natl.Cancer Inst. Diet-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in primates. nutritionists, dietitians or medical professionals. If you take birth control pills along with alfalfa, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom. Antimicrob.Agents Chemother. However even large amounts of alfalfa are not as strong as estrogen pills. Garrett, B. J., Cheeke, P. R., Miranda, C. L., Goeger, D. E., and Buhler, D. R. Consumption of poisonous plants (Senecio jacobaea, Symphytum officinale, Pteridium aquilinum, Hypericum perforatum) by rats: chronic toxicity, mineral metabolism, and hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. Thereafter, drain and rinse two to three times daily. Srinivasan, S. R., Patton, D., Radhakrishnamurthy, B., Foster, T. A., Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., and Berenson, G. S. Lipid changes in atherosclerotic aortas of Macaca fascicularis after various regression regimens. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. There is even less evidence to support claims that alfalfa can prevent or treat menopause symptoms, osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, or breast cancer as some alternative practitioners claim. Mackler BP, Herbert V. The effect of raw wheat bran, alfalfa meal and alpha-cellulose on iron ascorbate chelate and ferric chloride in three binding solutions. Taking alfalfa along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Alfalfa is a plant used widely as animal feed and occasionally as a food for human consumption. 2001;49(2):753-758. High incidence of extra-intestinal infections in a Salmonella Havana outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts.