Alfalfa Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Alfalfa Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Alfalfa leaves are considered possibly safe when used orally and appropriately for short-term durations. However, long-term and large amount use of alfalfa is considered likely unsafe due to the potential risk of drug-induced lupus effects. It is advised to avoid using alfalfa during pregnancy and lactation, as it contains constituents with possible estrogenic activity.

Pharmacokinetics

Insufficient reliable information is available about the pharmacokinetics of alfalfa.

Mechanism of Action

Alfalfa contains several beneficial constituents, such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, minerals, trace elements, coumestrol (a phytoestrogen), flavonoids, and manganese. It has various potential mechanisms of action:

• Antimicrobial effects: Alfalfa may possess antimicrobial properties, demonstrated by its activity against yeast strains and Cryptococcus neoformans in vitro.
• Hypoglycemic effects: Research suggests that alfalfa can significantly lower basal plasma glucose concentrations, which may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
• Immunologic effects: The amino acid L-canavanine found in alfalfa has been associated with the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Alfalfa may also affect CD8 T cells and mononuclear cells, potentially influencing antibody synthesis and proliferation.
• Lipid effects: Alfalfa has shown cholesterol-lowering effects in animal studies, decreasing cholesterolemia and preventing elevations in cholesterol levels. It may also reduce lipid levels in plasma and tissues, potentially contributing to its cardiovascular benefits.
• Wound healing effects: Alfalfa extracts have been reported to have potential benefits in treating skin damage and assisting in gum healing.

Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of alfalfa.

Interactions with Drugs

Antidiabetes drugs: There is a possibility that alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Contraceptive drugs: Alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.

Estrogens: Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.

Immunosuppressants: Alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.

Photosensitizing drugs: Concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.

Warfarin (Coumadin): Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

The most common adverse effects of orally consuming alfalfa leaf are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence. Serious adverse effects like a lupus-like syndrome after chronic ingestion of alfalfa are rare.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information about the standardization of alfalfa supplements.

Interactions with other conditions and lab tests have been listed but details on these interactions are not provided in the information available.

Note that further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of alfalfa for its various potential uses.

Drugs that interact with Alfalfa