Herb & supplement monograph

Alfalfa Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Alfalfa interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Alfalfa is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Alfalfa is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Alfalfa

583 medications have a known interaction with Alfalfa, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Alfalfa.

2,830 drugs
WarfarinWarfarin› Warfarin SodiumCoumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› AcetohexamideDymelor› AcitretinSoriatane› AdalimumabHumira›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Alfalfa combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Alfalfa affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Alfalfa is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 6 drug categories Alfalfa interacts with
Warfarin (coumadin)Antidiabetes DrugsContraceptive DrugsEstrogensImmunosuppressantsPhotosensitizing Drugs
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Alfalfa: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited. It is best avoided by people with autoimmune diseases, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone with a weakened immune system, and you should check with your pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Alfalfa
Scientific name
Medicago sativa
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Leaves, sprouts, and seeds
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, dried leaf tea, sprouts, liquid extract, and powder
People commonly use it for
  • High cholesterol
  • Digestive complaints
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • General nutritional supplement

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally considered food-safe in small amounts, but supplements and raw sprouts carry real risks for some people.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally in medicinal amounts. Alfalfa contains constituents with possible estrogenic activity.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally in medicinal amounts. Alfalfa contains constituents with possible estrogenic activity.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a flowering plant in the pea family (Fabaceae). It is also called lucerne. It is native to parts of Asia and the Mediterranean but is now grown around the world, mostly as a feed crop for farm animals.

People also use alfalfa as a food and supplement. The young sprouts are eaten in salads and sandwiches, and the dried leaves are made into teas, capsules, and tablets. Alfalfa contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, and plant compounds called phytoestrogens.

In traditional and folk medicine, alfalfa has been used for many purposes, from lowering cholesterol to easing menopause symptoms and supporting digestion. Most of these uses come from tradition rather than strong scientific proof.

How it works

Alfalfa contains several compounds that may explain its proposed effects. It is rich in fiber, which can bind to cholesterol in the gut and may help lower blood cholesterol levels.

It also contains phytoestrogens, including a compound called coumestrol. These act weakly like the body's own estrogen, which is why alfalfa is sometimes used for menopause and hormone-related symptoms.

Alfalfa also provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Lab and animal studies suggest some of these may have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects. It is important to remember that much of this research is from test tubes and animals, not large human trials, so the real-world benefits in people are not well proven.

Effectiveness

Does Alfalfa work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated
4 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Alfalfa, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral alfalfa for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alfalfa for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dyspepsia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral alfalfa for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alfalfa for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypercholesterolemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral alfalfa seeds are beneficial in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral alfalfa for menopausal symptoms, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alfalfa for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Eating alfalfa as a normal food in small amounts is generally considered safe for most healthy people. However, supplements and large amounts can carry risks.

Raw alfalfa sprouts have been linked to outbreaks of foodborne illness from bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, because the warm, moist conditions used to grow sprouts can also grow germs. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system should avoid raw sprouts.

People with autoimmune diseases such as lupus should avoid alfalfa supplements. Alfalfa contains an amino acid called L-canavanine that has been associated with triggering or worsening lupus-like symptoms.

People who are immunosuppressed should also avoid alfalfa. Because of its phytoestrogens, people with hormone-sensitive conditions (such as certain breast, uterine, or ovarian conditions) should be cautious and talk to their doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Alfalfa supplements are best avoided during pregnancy because of their estrogen-like activity. Safety during breastfeeding is not well studied, so supplement doses are best avoided. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

When used in food amounts, alfalfa is usually well tolerated. Some people may notice digestive effects such as gas, bloating, or an upset stomach.

More serious concerns are mostly tied to supplements or large amounts. These include possible lupus-like reactions in sensitive people, and the risk of infection from contaminated raw sprouts.

Alfalfa can also cause skin sensitivity to sunlight in rare cases. If you notice rash, joint pain, unusual fatigue, or other unexpected symptoms, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider.

Alfalfa: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Alfalfa from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, alfalfa leaf seems to be well tolerated. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Lupus-like syndrome after chronic ingestion of alfalfa.

Reports by condition
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Dermatitis associated with alfalfa use has been reported. In a 1954 publication, dermatitis was noted in a 61-year-old female consuming 4-6 cups of tea made with two tablespoonfuls of alfalfa seeds for approximately two months prior to onset. Examination revealed diffuse, confluent edema and erythema on the face, eyelids, ears, hands, forearms, and distal humeral regions. The dermatitis improved with treatment; re-exposure to alfalfa resulted in a similar reaction.

  1. Kaufman W. Alfalfa seed dermatitis. JAMA 1954;155(12):1058-1059.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, flatulence and bulkier feces were reported during the first week of a case series of three subjects ingesting alfalfa. In a case series of 15 patients ingesting alfalfa, increased fecal volume and increased stool frequency was reported. Additional adverse effects included abdominal discomfort in two patients, diarrhea in two patients, loose stools in six patients, and intestinal gas in 13 patients.

  1. Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., and Stafford, C. Alfalfa seeds: effects on cholesterol metabolism. Experientia 5-15-1980;36(5):562-564.
  2. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9.
Hypokalemia Endocrine

Alfalfa contains constituents, including coumestrol, with reported estrogenic activity. Effects in humans are not known.

One case report documents hypokalemia in a female who had been drinking a "cleansing tea" containing alfalfa, licorice, and stinging nettle. The potassium level returned to normal after discontinuing the tea and initiating potassium supplementation. The specific cause of the hypokalemia is not clear. Notably, both stinging nettle and licorice have been associated with hypokalemia and may have been responsible for this effect.

  1. Shemesh, M., Lindner, H. R., and Ayalon, N. Affinity of rabbit uterine oestradiol receptor for phyto-oestrogens and its use in a competitive protein-binding radioassay for plasma coumestrol. J Reprod.Fertil. 1972;29(1):1-9.
  2. Elakovich, S. D. and Hampton, J. M. Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption. J Agric.Food Chem. 1984;32(1):173-175.
  3. Kurzer MS, Xu X. Dietary phytoestrogens. Annu Rev Nutr 1997;17:353-81.
  4. Feingold, R. M. Should we fear "health foods"? Arch Intern Med 7-12-1999;159(13):1502.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Other

Alfalfa products, including sprouts, seeds, and tablets, have been found to be contaminated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes, which have caused documented infections.

Orally, alfalfa has been associated with the development of a lupus-like syndrome in animals and humans, as well as with possible exacerbations of lupus in patients with known systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These reactions may be associated with the amino acid L-canavanine, which appears to be present in alfalfa seeds and sprouts, but not leaves, and therefore should not be present in alfalfa tablets manufactured from the leaves. However, case reports have included individuals ingesting tablets. A lupus-like syndrome was described in four patients taking 12-24 alfalfa tablets per day. Symptoms included arthralgias, myalgias, and rash; positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) arose anywhere from three weeks to seven months after initiating alfalfa therapy. Upon discontinuation of alfalfa tablets, all four patients became asymptomatic. In two patients, ANA levels normalized. Two additional reports have documented possible exacerbation or induction of SLE associated with alfalfa use. One case involved a female with a 26-year history of SLE, who had been taking 15 tablets of alfalfa daily for nine months prior to an exacerbation. Because of the delay in onset of the exacerbation from the initiation of alfalfa therapy, causation cannot be clearly established. In a different report, SLE and arthritis were found in multiple family members who had been taking a combination of vitamin E and alfalfa tablets for seven years. It is not known what other environmental or genetic factors may have affected these individuals, and the association with alfalfa is unclear.

  1. Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, et al. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese [Letter to the Editor]. N Engl J Med 1990;322:338.
  2. Mohle-Boetani J, Werner B, Polumbo M, and et al. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alfalfa sprouts-- Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico, February-April, 2001. JAMA 2-6-2002;287(5):581-582.
  3. Howard, M. B. and Hutcheson, S. W. Growth dynamics of Salmonella enterica strains on alfalfa sprouts and in waste seed irrigation water. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 2003;69(1):548-553.
  4. Strapp, C. M., Shearer, A. E., and Joerger, R. D. Survey of retail alfalfa sprouts and mushrooms for the presence of Escherichia coil O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria with BAX, and evaluation of this polymerase chain reaction-based system with experimen
  5. Winthrop, K. L., Palumbo, M. S., Farrar, J. A., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Abbott, S., Beatty, M. E., Inami, G., and Werner, S. B. Alfalfa sprouts and Salmonella Kottbus infection: a multistate outbreak following inadequate seed disinfection with heat and chl
  6. Backer, H. D., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Werner, S. B., Abbott, S. L., Farrar, J., and Vugia, D. J. High incidence of extra-intestinal infections in a Salmonella Havana outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts. Public Health Rep. 2000;115(4):339-345.
  7. Mahon, B. E., Ponka, A., Hall, W. N., Komatsu, K., Dietrich, S. E., Siitonen, A., Cage, G., Hayes, P. S., Lambert-Fair, M. A., Bean, N. H., Griffin, P. M., and Slutsker, L. An international outbreak of Salmonella infections caused by alfalfa sprouts grow
  8. Ponka A, Andersson Y, Siitonen A, and et al. Salmonella in alfalfa sprouts. Lancet 1995;345:462-463.
  9. Taormina, P. J., Beuchat, L. R., and Slutsker, L. Infections associated with eating seed sprouts: an international concern. Emerg.Infect.Dis 1999;5(5):626-634.
  10. Van Beneden, C. A., Keene, W. E., Strang, R. A., Werker, D. H., King, A. S., Mahon, B., Hedberg, K., Bell, A., Kelly, M. T., Balan, V. K., Mac Kenzie, W. R., and Fleming, D. Multinational outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infections due to
  11. Burden and causes of foodborne disease in Australia: Annual report of the OzFoodNet network, 2005. Commun.Dis Intell. 2006;30(3):278-300.
  12. Malinow, M. R., Bardana, E. J., Jr., Pirofsky, B., Craig, S., and McLaughlin, P. Systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys fed alfalfa sprouts: role of a nonprotein amino acid. Science 4-23-1982;216(4544):415-417.
  13. Prete PE. The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune phenomena. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:1198-200.
  14. Roberts JL, Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361.
  15. Herbert, V. and Kasdan, T. S. Alfalfa, vitamin E, and autoimmune disorders. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60(4):639-640.
  16. Farnsworth, N. R. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62(5):1026-1028.
  17. Akaogi, J., Barker, T., Kuroda, Y., Nacionales, D. C., Yamasaki, Y., Stevens, B. R., Reeves, W. H., and Satoh, M. Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity. Autoimmun.Rev 2006;5(6):429-435.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standard dose for alfalfa supplements. Products vary widely in strength and form, including capsules, tablets, teas, and extracts.

Because a proven safe and effective dose has not been set, the best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Avoid taking very large or long-term doses.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting alfalfa, especially if you have a health condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. They can help you decide if it is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Alfalfa & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally in medicinal amounts. Alfalfa contains constituents with possible estrogenic activity.

  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. Elakovich, S. D. and Hampton, J. M. Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption. J Agric.Food Chem. 1984;32(1):173-175.

Alfalfa & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally in medicinal amounts. Alfalfa contains constituents with possible estrogenic activity.

  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. Elakovich, S. D. and Hampton, J. M. Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption. J Agric.Food Chem. 1984;32(1):173-175.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 32 references that drive our Alfalfa monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. Kurzer MS, Xu X. Dietary phytoestrogens. Annu Rev Nutr 1997;17:353-81. PubMed
  5. Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, et al. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese [Letter to the Editor]. N Engl J Med 1990;322:338. PubMed
  6. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9. PubMed
  7. Light TD, Light JA. Acute renal transplant rejection possibly related to herbal medications. Am J Transplant 2003;3:1608-9. PubMed
  8. Prete PE. The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune phenomena. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:1198-200. PubMed
  9. Alcocer-Varela J, Iglesias A, Llorente L, Alarcon-Segovia D. Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:52-7. PubMed
  10. Roberts JL, Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361. DOI
  11. Feingold, R. M. Should we fear "health foods"? Arch Intern Med 7-12-1999;159(13):1502. PubMed
  12. Taormina, P. J., Beuchat, L. R., and Slutsker, L. Infections associated with eating seed sprouts: an international concern. Emerg.Infect.Dis 1999;5(5):626-634. PubMed
  13. Backer, H. D., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Werner, S. B., Abbott, S. L., Farrar, J., and Vugia, D. J. High incidence of extra-intestinal infections in a Salmonella Havana outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts. Public Health Rep. 2000;115(4):339-345. PubMed
  14. Mohle-Boetani J, Werner B, Polumbo M, and et al. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alfalfa sprouts-- Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico, February-April, 2001. JAMA 2-6-2002;287(5):581-582.
  15. Howard, M. B. and Hutcheson, S. W. Growth dynamics of Salmonella enterica strains on alfalfa sprouts and in waste seed irrigation water. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 2003;69(1):548-553.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Alfalfa

652 brands in our database make a supplement containing Alfalfa.

Product directory

Supplement products with Alfalfa

4,095 products in our database contain Alfalfa. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

A-F Betafood by SP Standard Process Tablet Or Pill 360 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions A-F Betafood by SP Standard Process Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions A-F Betafood by SP Standard Process Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions A-W by Pure Herbs Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions A-W by Pure Herbs Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions A.J.'s Ultra Multi without Iron by Altrum Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Absolute Cleanse by New Sun Capsule 140 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Active Core Complex by JayLab Pro Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Active Mixed Berry by GNC Ultra Mega Green Powder 34.7 oz. · 2.17 lb · 984 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Active Woman's Multi by Vitabase Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Active Women's Multivitamin by Super Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions ActivJoint by Trace Minerals Research Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions ActivJoint Platinum by Trace Minerals Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions ActivJoint Platinum by Trace Minerals Research Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions ActivJoint Plus by Trace Minerals Research Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions AdaptaMax by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Adrena Care by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Adrena Care by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Adult Multivitamin by Dr Tobias Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Adult Multivitamin by Dr. Tobias Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Advanced Lactation Formula by Holistic Lactation Capsule 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Advanced Mineral Complex Plus by New Sun Liquid 32 oz. · 946 mL View ingredients & interactions Advanced Multi Raw Superfood by Greens+ Powder 9.4 oz. · 267 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Advanced Multi Vanilla Chai Superfood by Greens+ Powder 9.4 oz. · 267 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Alfalfa: Common Questions

What is Alfalfa used for, and does it work?
People use Alfalfa for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Alfalfa interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 583 medications with a known interaction with Alfalfa, including 2 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Alfalfa interacts with a specific drug.
How are Alfalfa interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Alfalfa with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Alfalfa interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Alfalfa used for?
People commonly use Alfalfa for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, arthritis, and digestive issues, and as a general nutritional supplement. However, strong human evidence for most of these uses is limited.
Are Alfalfa sprouts safe to eat?
Cooked Alfalfa is generally safer, but raw sprouts have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid raw sprouts.
Is Alfalfa safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Alfalfa supplements are best avoided during pregnancy because of their estrogen-like effects, and there is not enough safety data to recommend supplement doses while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before using it.
Who should not take Alfalfa?
People with autoimmune diseases like lupus, those with weakened immune systems, and people with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid Alfalfa supplements. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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