Skip to content
DE
Botanical

Alfalfa

Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, is a legume grown mainly as animal feed. Its leaves and sprouts contain saponins, estrogen-like isoflavonoids and vitamin K.

Also listed as Organic Alfalfa Grass, Alfalfa Extract, Alfalfa Leaf Extract, Alfalfa Leaf

Who needs particular caution?

MSK advises avoiding alfalfa in pregnancy, breastfeeding, lupus and gout. Lupus relapses have been reported after tablets; reported digestive effects include loose stools, gas and abdominal discomfort. 1

What about warfarin?

LactMed advises avoiding alfalfa with warfarin because of its vitamin K content. 2

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  1. Alfalfa Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  2. Alfalfa Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), 2021