Suggested dosing of Medicago sativa (alfalfa)
5-10 g PO TId
Suggested uses of Medicago sativa (alfalfa)
Asthma, arthritis, diabetes, diuresis, hypercholesterolemia, indigestion, thrombocytopenic purpura
Source of
Vitamins: A, C, E, K
Minerals: Ca, K, P, Fe
Efficacy
Possibly effective for type II hyperlipoproteinemia
Medicago sativa (alfalfa) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Photosensitivity
Pancytopenia (from ground alfalfa seeds)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Avoid prior to surgery: may cause bleeding
Cautions
Above-ground portion safer than seeds
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Medicago sativa (alfalfa)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Decrease absorption of cholesterol; manganese has hypoglycemic effects
Contains phytoestrogens formometin, coumestroL
