What is Alfalfa Leaf?
Alfalfa Leaf is the leaf of the alfalfa plant (Medicago sativa L), a perennial legume forage crop commonly grown worldwide because of its high nutritional value and multiple utilization. Being a high protein, mineral, and vitamin-rich, phytochemical-rich, medicinally and industrially valued plant, it is widely cultivated for human nutrition as a dietary supplement, mainly grown for animal feeds [1].
What does Alfalfa Leaf do?
The Alfalfa Leaf is indispensable to the plant’s overall health and productivity. Among its many functions is its part in photosynthesis, the conversion of the energy of sunlight through a series of photochemical reactions into chemical energy that enables the plant to build organic matter [2]. The plant’s high nutritive content is essential for anyone on a restricted diet, as well as protein, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemical substances [1].
As far as health benefits, Alfalfa Leaf possesses antioxidant properties. Alfa leaf peptides (ALPs) are an antioxidant from alfalfa extract. At 2.00 mg per ml, ALPs showed a reducing power of 0.69. ALPs at 1.60 mg per ml and 0.90 mg per ml showed 79.71% and 67.00% scavenging activities on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide radical [3].
Another study demonstrated that alfalfa reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhanced reduced glutathione (GSH), leading to a reduction of DNA fragmentation and preventing apoptosis pathways, thus improving the viability of cells [4].
Although the Alfalfa Leaf seems to have the main role of an antioxidant, it also proved to be a growth promoter and activation of the salt tolerance mechanism in alfalfa. For instance, applying 0.1 mmol of exogenous ascorbic acid (l ascorbic acid is an antioxidant) per litre of solution promoted alfalfa germination and seedling growth under salt stress [5].
Benefits of Alfa Leaf
Alfalfa leaf is a flowering plant commonly used for medicinal purposes. It is renowned for its abundant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all contributing to its myriad health benefits.
However, the most important advantage of alfalfa leaf propping is its antioxidant activity. Alfalfa leaf peptides (ALPs) isolates showed remarkable antioxidant activity, with a reducing power of 0.69 at 2.00mg/mL, and a scavenging assay showed 79.71% and 67.00% at some concentration on DPPH radical and superoxide radical, respectively [3].
Besides, the alfalfa leaf supplies a high protein content, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. These nutrients are essential to optimal human nourishment and play a role in preventing many ailments, including cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, anaemia, and digestive tract diseases [1].
One advantage of alfalfa leaf is its ability to help the liver. It has a history of reducing oxidative stress and liver injury in rats, as shown in one study where 60% of mice survived 48 hours when orally supplemented with an alfalfa extract after a specific injection of the substance [6].
Alfalfa leaf is similarly good for hair health, as it is thought to make hair appear stronger and healthier when taken as a supplement [7].
Additionally, this plant has been reported to be a significant regulator of oxidative stress-induced apoptotic cells. Oxidative stress refers to the metabolic imbalance of free radicals and the antioxidant reaction ability of the body [8].
Side Effects of Alfa Leaf
Alfa leaf, also known as alfalfa, is generally safe for most people, but it does have some potential side effects to be aware of.
Another key worry is that alfalfa may act like the hormone estrogen, causing adverse reactions, particularly in those who are nursing, pregnant, or trying to conceive. Alfalfa could also interact with prescribed birth control pills, making them less effective [7].
Alfalfa is rich in vitamin K which can interact destructively with things like warfarin (Coumadin), so don’t take alfalfa with such medications [7]. Don’t take alfalfa if you’re taking blood thinners [7].
Another potential side-effect is heightened sensitivity to sunlight – relevant for those taking drugs that already promote sun-sensitivity [7].
Alfalfa can lower blood sugar. So if you take supplements or drugs to lower your blood sugar too that could drop your blood sugar too low [7].
Thirdly, alfalfa is incriminated in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), another autoimmune disease, because it contains in its non-protein amino acid residue, L-canavanine [4].
Again, if you are a cancer patient already in treatment or are taking any other kinds of medications, if you’re considering using alfalfa, or any other supplements, you must check directly with your health practitioner [7].
Can Alfalfa Leaf Influence Muscle Growth?
Alfalfa leaf is a forage crop known for having a high nutrient content, and several studies have examined the effects on body-muscle growth in the animal domain. There is insufficient evidence at this time to know if it can improve body-muscle growth in humans.
The supplementation of alfalfa saponins (AS) to lambs significantly improved the intramuscular fat, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content and drip loss in the AS treatment group, which suggests the possibility of alfalfa leaf in influencing muscle growth and quality in lambs [9].
In broiler chickens, alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) generated the same comparative crude protein content in the breast and thigh as in the control, indicating a possible advantage in muscle building [10].
Yet the studies were conducted on animals, not people, and alfalfa leaf might not stimulate muscle growth in people. Further investigation into whether alfalfa leaf could be a natural herbal remedy for muscle growth is needed.