Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesNutritionSide EffectsDosageSources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Nutrition
Side Effects
Dosage
Sources
Alfalfa leaf benefits are largely from its antioxidant properties. Some also believe it may help lower cholesterol, stimulate milk production, control blood sugar, relieve menopausal symptoms, and benefit sperm quality, though more research is needed to confirm these claims.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)is a perennial plant (meaning it regrows every year). It belongs to theFabaceaefamily that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. Alfalfa is high in vitamins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
People eat alfalfa fresh in the form ofsprouts. It has a sweet, bitter, grassy flavor. It is also available as a supplement.
Verywell / Getty Images
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products (such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Consumer Labs, or NSF) and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Benefits of Alfalfa
Beyond its dietary benefits, alfalfa is often used inalternative therapiesto treat medical conditions and metabolic disorders. Some people claim it can help withdiabetes,high cholesterol,arthritis,urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, and other disorders.However, there is little evidence to support these purported benefits.
May Help Lower Cholesterol
Anti-nutrients can also offer health benefits. For example, animal studies have shown a direct association between increasing doses of alfalfa saponin extract and decreasing blood cholesterol levels in rats.
Whether it can achieve the same effect in humans is uncertain. Alfalfa has been studied little as a potential treatment ofhypercholesterolemia(high cholesterol), and therefore, further research is needed.
May Control Blood Sugar
In one controlled study, rats were divided into two control groups (a non-diabetic and a diabetic group) and two treatment groups (both diabetic groups). Treatment groups were given an extract of alfalfa.
Compared with the control diabetic group, rats who received the alfalfa extract in both diabetic groups had:
Again, this study was conducted on animals. Therefore, it is unclear whether it can achieve the same benefits in humans. Further research is needed.
Ube (Purple Yam): Nutrition and Benefits
Has Antioxidant Properties
According to research, alfalfa has high antioxidant power.Antioxidantsare compounds found in foods like berries, nuts, and greens that protect the body’s overall health, and health at a cellular level.
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals, which are found in certain foods, ultraviolet light, and other environmental toxins. Free radicals trigger oxidative stress, which can increase disease and aging in our cells.
Antioxidants, like those found in alfalfa, help prevent free radicals from harming the body’s cells.
May Act As a Natural Diuretic
Some herbalists use alfalfa as a naturaldiuretic(“water pill”) for treating urinary tract disorders, includingrenal calculi(kidney stones)andurinary tract infections(UTIs).Some look at alfalfa as a way to naturally detox and flush out the body.
A 2016 study looked at which plants herbalists in Iran used to treat kidney and urinary stones.The study found that alfalfa was among 18 species herbalists relied on; however, the study did not evaluate the safety or effectiveness of the herbs.
There is little evidence that alfalfa can help prevent or clear kidney stones, much less treat an acute urinary tract infection despite claims to the contrary.
May Relieve Menopausal Symptoms
Alfalfa contains a group of molecules calledisoflavones. These are a type ofphytoestrogen, a plant-based hormone that mimics the action of the hormoneestrogen. As such, some argue that alfalfa might be an effective remedy for hormonal changes associated withpremenstrual syndrome (PMS)andmenopause.
In a small older study, taking alfalfa and sage extracts either improved or eliminated night sweats and hot flashes in people with menopause. The participants took the extracts of these plants for three months.
Another study looked at the effects of botanical supplements on hormonal symptoms in 788 participants with breast cancer. Participants answered a survey about their symptoms. Those who used alfalfa were less likely to report disturbed sleep than those who did not use alfalfa. However, this was an exploratory study and did not include controls or comparisons.
While there’s some research on alfalfa’s potential role in hormonal conditions, the studies are limited, older, and speculative.
May Help Breast Milk Production
Alfalfa is regarded as a plant-basedgalactagogue, meaning it can stimulate breast milk production. Alfalfa is, in fact, one of the most popular traditional medicines used as a galactagogue alongsideblack seed (Nigella sativa)andfenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum).
A 2014 review in the journalProcediaexplored herbal galactagogue usage, including alfalfa, in breastfeeding parents.The survey evaluated responses from 83 participants who used herbal galactagogues and reported their level of satisfaction.
While this study suggests alfalfa may support milk production, it provides little evidence of how effective the treatment may be or what dose is needed.
May Benefit Sperm Quality
In a 2023 study, 60 participants were randomized into two groups: those taking alfalfa seed powder plus vitamin E or vitamin E alone.
After 12 weeks researchers found the group taking alfalfa seed powder plus vitamin E had a statistically significant improvement in sperm quality, which included total sperm count, percentage of normal sperm morphology (size and shape), and sperm motility.
Alfalfa Nutrition Facts
Alfalfa is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. One cup of alfalfa sprouts contains:
In addition, alfalfa’ssoluble fiber contentmakes it a good food for controlling cholesterol and feeling full.
Alfalfa also contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including:
Side Effects and Safety
Alfalfa sprouts are usually safe and nutritious but may cause side effects in some people. These side effects may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
Due to its high fiber content, consuming raw alfalfa can cause gastrointestinal issues, including:
Symptoms ofSalmonellaandE. coliinfection include:
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms like these hours or even days after eating fresh alfalfa.
Who Should Not Take Alfalfa?
FDA Consumer WarningIn 2016, the FDA issued a warning about an outbreak ofSalmonellainfectionsin 12 states directly linked to alfalfa sprouts. As a result, the FDA now advises certain people not to consume raw sprouts, namely:Children under 5Adults 65 and overPregnant peoplePeople with weakened immune systems, such asorgan transplant recipientsor those with untreatedHIV
FDA Consumer Warning
In 2016, the FDA issued a warning about an outbreak ofSalmonellainfectionsin 12 states directly linked to alfalfa sprouts. As a result, the FDA now advises certain people not to consume raw sprouts, namely:Children under 5Adults 65 and overPregnant peoplePeople with weakened immune systems, such asorgan transplant recipientsor those with untreatedHIV
In 2016, the FDA issued a warning about an outbreak ofSalmonellainfectionsin 12 states directly linked to alfalfa sprouts. As a result, the FDA now advises certain people not to consume raw sprouts, namely:
Because of its estrogenic effects, people with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, prostate, cervical, or uterine cancers should avoid alfalfa.For these same reasons, those who are pregnant and breastfeeding should avoid alfalfa.
Alfalfa sprouts also contain an amino acid calledL-canavaninethat can trigger inflammation in people with certain autoimmune diseases, particularlylupus. As a result, eating alfalfa or taking it as a supplement can triggeracute lupus symptoms.
If you have an autoimmune condition, includingmultiple sclerosisor rheumatoid arthritis, speak with your healthcare provider before eating alfalfa sprouts or taking alfalfa supplements.
Interactions With Drugs and Herbs
Alfalfa supplements may interact with certain medications. However, it is unknown how strong these interactions may be or if they may require a dose adjustment or change in treatment. As a general rule, higher doses tend to increase the potential for drug interactions.
Alfalfa supplements are at high risk of interacting withanticoagulants(blood thinners) likewarfarin. That’s because the high vitamin K content in alfalfa (which promotes clotting) may undermine the drug’s effectiveness.
The following drugs pose a moderate risk for interacting with alfalfa supplements:
Alfalfa may interact with certain herbs and supplements, including:
Dosage: How Much Alfalfa Should I Take?
According to the National Library of Medicine, there is not enough reliable evidence to say what an appropriate dosage of alfalfa might be.Supplements often come in doses ranging from 5 grams to 10 grams.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Sources of Alfalfa
When eating fresh alfalfa or taking alfalfa in supplement form, there are several things to consider.
Food Sources
You can purchase fresh alfalfa sprouts in many grocery stores. To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, purchase sprouts that have been properly refrigerated and are not slimy, wilted, discolored, or smelly. Store sprouts in the refrigerator at around 40 degrees F.
Before eating them, wash and rinse sprouts thoroughly to mitigate potential exposure to bacterial contaminants. Better yet, cook the sprouts rather than eating them raw. The same applies to alfalfa juice. Cooking will alter the flavor and texture but retain some nutritional value.
Alternatively, purchase alfalfa seeds online or at a health food store and grow fresh alfalfa at home. Along with the seeds, you’ll need a sprouting jar with a perforated lid (available for purchase online and in many gardening centers).
The alfalfa plant grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves and purple flowers that can also be shades of yellow and white.Alfalfa sprouts consist of thin white stems with tiny leaves that range from yellow to green.
Supplements
Alfalfa supplements are widely available in vitamin shops and many health food stores. They come in a variety of preparations, including:
Nutritional supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States and can vary in quality from one brand to the next.
It is more difficult to assess the quality of the traditional Chinese remedy Mu Xu. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, herbal remedies from China are sometimes tainted with drugs, heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful ingredients.Therefore, it is best to avoid imported herbal remedies.
Summary
Alfalfa is a plant that is high in vitamins and minerals. People commonly eat it as a sprouted green. Some people take alfalfa in supplement form, too. While there is some research on purported health benefits, the evidence to support their use in treating health conditions is weak.
People with autoimmune conditions and hormone-related cancers should be cautious with taking alfalfa due to the effects on the immune system and the phytoestrogens in the plant. In addition, alfalfa can interact with many medications, hormones, herbs, and supplements.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Alfalfa.Bora KS, Sharma A.Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: a review.Pharm Biol. 2011;49(2):211-20. doi:10.3109/13880209.2010.504732Samtiya M, Aluko RE, Dhewa T.Plant food anti-nutritional factors and their reduction strategies: an overview.Food Prod Process and Nutr. 2020;2(1):6. doi:10.1186/s43014-020-0020-5Shi Y, Guo R, Wang X, et al.The regulation of alfalfa saponin extract on key genes involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(2):e88282. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088282Amraie E, Farsani MK, Sadeghi L, et. al.The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Interv Med Appl Sci. 2015 Sep;7(3):124-8. doi:10.1556/1646.7.2015.3.7Mahdieh Raeeszadeh,Javad Beheshtipour,Rozhin Jamali, andAbolfazl Akbari.The Antioxidant Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pathological Effects on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022; 2022: 2691577. Published online 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1155/2022/2691577Martemucci G, Costagliola C, Mariano M, D’andrea L, Napolitano P, D’Alessandro AG.Free radical properties, source and targets, antioxidant consumption and health.Oxygen. 2022; 2(2):48-78. doi.org/10.3390/oxygen2020006Bahmani M, Baharvand-ahmadi B, Tajeddini P, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Naghdi N.Identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of kidney and urinary stones.J Renal Inj Prev.2016;5(3):129-33. doi:10.15171/jrip.2016.27Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL.Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health.Pharmacol Rev.2016;68(4):1026-73. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G.Trattamento dei disturbi neurovegetativi della donna in menopausa con un preparato fitoterapico [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent].Minerva Ginecol. 1998;50(5):207-211.Ma H, Sullivan-Halley J, Smith AW, et al.Estrogenic botanical supplements, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a HEAL study report.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:109. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-109Othman N, Che Lamin RZ, Othman CN.Exploring behavior on the herbal galactagogue usage among Malay lactating mothers in Malaysia.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences.2014;153:199-208. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.054Shahmirzadi AS, Shafi H, Shirafkan H, et al.Effect of Medicago sativa seed powder (Plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone) on semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility: A double blind randomized clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 25;322:117606. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117606U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Alfalfa.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of food poisoning.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA investigated multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts.Patisaul HB, Jefferson W.The pros and cons of phytoestrogens.Front Neuroendocrinol.2010;31(4):400-19. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003Constantin MM, Nita IE, Olteanu R, et al.Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.Exp Ther Med.2019;17(2):1085-90. doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6986University of Wyoming.Forage identification: Alfalfa.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Alfalfa.Bora KS, Sharma A.Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: a review.Pharm Biol. 2011;49(2):211-20. doi:10.3109/13880209.2010.504732Samtiya M, Aluko RE, Dhewa T.Plant food anti-nutritional factors and their reduction strategies: an overview.Food Prod Process and Nutr. 2020;2(1):6. doi:10.1186/s43014-020-0020-5Shi Y, Guo R, Wang X, et al.The regulation of alfalfa saponin extract on key genes involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(2):e88282. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088282Amraie E, Farsani MK, Sadeghi L, et. al.The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Interv Med Appl Sci. 2015 Sep;7(3):124-8. doi:10.1556/1646.7.2015.3.7Mahdieh Raeeszadeh,Javad Beheshtipour,Rozhin Jamali, andAbolfazl Akbari.The Antioxidant Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pathological Effects on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022; 2022: 2691577. Published online 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1155/2022/2691577Martemucci G, Costagliola C, Mariano M, D’andrea L, Napolitano P, D’Alessandro AG.Free radical properties, source and targets, antioxidant consumption and health.Oxygen. 2022; 2(2):48-78. doi.org/10.3390/oxygen2020006Bahmani M, Baharvand-ahmadi B, Tajeddini P, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Naghdi N.Identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of kidney and urinary stones.J Renal Inj Prev.2016;5(3):129-33. doi:10.15171/jrip.2016.27Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL.Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health.Pharmacol Rev.2016;68(4):1026-73. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G.Trattamento dei disturbi neurovegetativi della donna in menopausa con un preparato fitoterapico [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent].Minerva Ginecol. 1998;50(5):207-211.Ma H, Sullivan-Halley J, Smith AW, et al.Estrogenic botanical supplements, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a HEAL study report.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:109. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-109Othman N, Che Lamin RZ, Othman CN.Exploring behavior on the herbal galactagogue usage among Malay lactating mothers in Malaysia.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences.2014;153:199-208. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.054Shahmirzadi AS, Shafi H, Shirafkan H, et al.Effect of Medicago sativa seed powder (Plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone) on semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility: A double blind randomized clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 25;322:117606. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117606U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Alfalfa.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of food poisoning.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA investigated multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts.Patisaul HB, Jefferson W.The pros and cons of phytoestrogens.Front Neuroendocrinol.2010;31(4):400-19. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003Constantin MM, Nita IE, Olteanu R, et al.Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.Exp Ther Med.2019;17(2):1085-90. doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6986University of Wyoming.Forage identification: Alfalfa.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Alfalfa.Bora KS, Sharma A.Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: a review.Pharm Biol. 2011;49(2):211-20. doi:10.3109/13880209.2010.504732Samtiya M, Aluko RE, Dhewa T.Plant food anti-nutritional factors and their reduction strategies: an overview.Food Prod Process and Nutr. 2020;2(1):6. doi:10.1186/s43014-020-0020-5Shi Y, Guo R, Wang X, et al.The regulation of alfalfa saponin extract on key genes involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(2):e88282. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088282Amraie E, Farsani MK, Sadeghi L, et. al.The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Interv Med Appl Sci. 2015 Sep;7(3):124-8. doi:10.1556/1646.7.2015.3.7Mahdieh Raeeszadeh,Javad Beheshtipour,Rozhin Jamali, andAbolfazl Akbari.The Antioxidant Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pathological Effects on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022; 2022: 2691577. Published online 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1155/2022/2691577Martemucci G, Costagliola C, Mariano M, D’andrea L, Napolitano P, D’Alessandro AG.Free radical properties, source and targets, antioxidant consumption and health.Oxygen. 2022; 2(2):48-78. doi.org/10.3390/oxygen2020006Bahmani M, Baharvand-ahmadi B, Tajeddini P, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Naghdi N.Identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of kidney and urinary stones.J Renal Inj Prev.2016;5(3):129-33. doi:10.15171/jrip.2016.27Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL.Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health.Pharmacol Rev.2016;68(4):1026-73. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G.Trattamento dei disturbi neurovegetativi della donna in menopausa con un preparato fitoterapico [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent].Minerva Ginecol. 1998;50(5):207-211.Ma H, Sullivan-Halley J, Smith AW, et al.Estrogenic botanical supplements, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a HEAL study report.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:109. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-109Othman N, Che Lamin RZ, Othman CN.Exploring behavior on the herbal galactagogue usage among Malay lactating mothers in Malaysia.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences.2014;153:199-208. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.054Shahmirzadi AS, Shafi H, Shirafkan H, et al.Effect of Medicago sativa seed powder (Plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone) on semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility: A double blind randomized clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 25;322:117606. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117606U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Alfalfa.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of food poisoning.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA investigated multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts.Patisaul HB, Jefferson W.The pros and cons of phytoestrogens.Front Neuroendocrinol.2010;31(4):400-19. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003Constantin MM, Nita IE, Olteanu R, et al.Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.Exp Ther Med.2019;17(2):1085-90. doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6986University of Wyoming.Forage identification: Alfalfa.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Alfalfa.
Bora KS, Sharma A.Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: a review.Pharm Biol. 2011;49(2):211-20. doi:10.3109/13880209.2010.504732
Samtiya M, Aluko RE, Dhewa T.Plant food anti-nutritional factors and their reduction strategies: an overview.Food Prod Process and Nutr. 2020;2(1):6. doi:10.1186/s43014-020-0020-5
Shi Y, Guo R, Wang X, et al.The regulation of alfalfa saponin extract on key genes involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(2):e88282. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088282
Amraie E, Farsani MK, Sadeghi L, et. al.The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Interv Med Appl Sci. 2015 Sep;7(3):124-8. doi:10.1556/1646.7.2015.3.7
Mahdieh Raeeszadeh,Javad Beheshtipour,Rozhin Jamali, andAbolfazl Akbari.The Antioxidant Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pathological Effects on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022; 2022: 2691577. Published online 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1155/2022/2691577
Martemucci G, Costagliola C, Mariano M, D’andrea L, Napolitano P, D’Alessandro AG.Free radical properties, source and targets, antioxidant consumption and health.Oxygen. 2022; 2(2):48-78. doi.org/10.3390/oxygen2020006
Bahmani M, Baharvand-ahmadi B, Tajeddini P, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Naghdi N.Identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of kidney and urinary stones.J Renal Inj Prev.2016;5(3):129-33. doi:10.15171/jrip.2016.27
Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL.Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health.Pharmacol Rev.2016;68(4):1026-73. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843
De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G.Trattamento dei disturbi neurovegetativi della donna in menopausa con un preparato fitoterapico [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent].Minerva Ginecol. 1998;50(5):207-211.
Ma H, Sullivan-Halley J, Smith AW, et al.Estrogenic botanical supplements, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a HEAL study report.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:109. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-109
Othman N, Che Lamin RZ, Othman CN.Exploring behavior on the herbal galactagogue usage among Malay lactating mothers in Malaysia.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences.2014;153:199-208. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.054
Shahmirzadi AS, Shafi H, Shirafkan H, et al.Effect of Medicago sativa seed powder (Plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone) on semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility: A double blind randomized clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 25;322:117606. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117606
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Alfalfa.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of food poisoning.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA investigated multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts.
Patisaul HB, Jefferson W.The pros and cons of phytoestrogens.Front Neuroendocrinol.2010;31(4):400-19. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003
Constantin MM, Nita IE, Olteanu R, et al.Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.Exp Ther Med.2019;17(2):1085-90. doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6986
University of Wyoming.Forage identification: Alfalfa.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know.
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