Certified Organic Alfalfa Grass Juice Powder
Also known as: Alfalfa, Lucerne, Alfalfa grass juice powder, Medicago sativa
Overview
Alfalfa (*Medicago sativa*) is a perennial legume cultivated for forage and used as a dietary supplement. Alfalfa grass juice powder is derived from young shoots and processed to retain bioactive compounds. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, vitamins (A, C, E, K), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium), and chlorophyll. It's primarily used as a nutritional supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and has shown potential hepatoprotective effects in animal models. Research on alfalfa is moderately mature, with most studies being preclinical or in animal models. Human clinical trials are limited. Evidence is strongest for antioxidant and liver-protective effects in animals, while human data are limited to observational or pilot studies. Alfalfa is considered a plant-based functional food due to its high concentration of bioactive phytochemicals.
Benefits
Alfalfa methanolic extract (AME) exhibits significant antioxidant activity, demonstrated by an IC50 of 350.91 ± 16.46 μg/ml for DPPH radical scavenging and a dose-dependent increase in inhibition percentage, reaching up to 77.87 ± 2.07% at 1000 μg/ml. Animal studies suggest AME protects against nicotine-induced liver damage. Meta-analyses in animal nutrition indicate that alfalfa supplementation can improve growth performance in broilers, although effect sizes are modest and heterogeneous. While antioxidant effects are robust in vitro and in animal models, clinical significance in humans is unclear due to a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Benefits in animal studies accrue with chronic supplementation.
How it works
Alfalfa's antioxidant activity is primarily attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, such as DPPH, thereby modulating oxidative stress markers. It may protect the liver by reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammation. The polyphenols and flavonoids in alfalfa act on redox-sensitive signaling pathways, potentially influencing NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. While data in humans is limited, animal studies suggest good absorption of polyphenols. However, the bioavailability may be influenced by the food matrix and processing methods. Alfalfa primarily interacts with the liver and antioxidant defense systems, and may modulate inflammatory pathways.
Side effects
Alfalfa is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in typical dietary amounts, with rare reports of adverse effects. Common side effects are not reported in available literature. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects include allergic reactions and photosensitivity. No significant drug interactions have been reported, although there is a theoretical risk with anticoagulants due to alfalfa's vitamin K content. Alfalfa is contraindicated for individuals with allergies to alfalfa or related plants. There is insufficient data for pregnant or lactating women, so caution is advised. Overall, alfalfa is considered safe for most people when consumed in normal dietary amounts.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of alfalfa is not established in humans. Animal studies use doses equivalent to several grams of plant material per kg of body weight. Typical supplement doses range from 1–5 g/day of powder, but this is not evidence-based. The maximum safe dose is not established, but no toxicity has been reported at typical supplement doses. There are no specific timing recommendations, but taking it with meals may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. The powder form is common, and bioavailability may be influenced by processing. Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and polyphenols may be better with dietary fat. No required cofactors have been identified.
FAQs
Is alfalfa safe?
Alfalfa is generally safe for most people when consumed in normal dietary amounts. Individuals with allergies to legumes should avoid it. Pregnant or lactating women should exercise caution due to insufficient data.
What are the benefits of taking alfalfa?
Preclinical studies suggest antioxidant and liver-protective effects. Animal studies indicate potential benefits for growth and health. However, clinical benefits in humans are not well-established due to a lack of high-quality RCTs.
How should I take alfalfa?
Typical supplement doses range from 1–5 g/day of powder. There are no specific timing recommendations, but taking it with meals may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What are the expected results from taking alfalfa?
Based on preclinical data, antioxidant support is plausible. However, clinical benefits in humans are not established. It is not a cure-all, and benefits are likely modest and context-dependent.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8976666/ – This preclinical study evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of alfalfa methanolic extract (AME). The study found that AME exhibited significant antioxidant activity in vitro and protected against nicotine-induced liver damage in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for liver health.
- https://www.advetresearch.com/index.php/AVR/article/download/2064/1363/20668 – This meta-analysis examined the effects of alfalfa supplementation on broiler performance. The results indicated that alfalfa supplementation improved growth performance in broilers, although the effect sizes were modest and there was significant heterogeneity across the included studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12105823/ – This study investigates the estrogenic activity of alfalfa and other phytoestrogen-rich foods. It provides insights into the potential hormonal effects of alfalfa, which could be relevant for certain populations, although further research is needed to fully understand the implications.
- https://www.feedipedia.org/node/275 – Feedipedia provides comprehensive information on alfalfa as an animal feed, including its nutritional composition and uses in livestock diets. It highlights the value of alfalfa in animal nutrition and its role in supporting animal health and productivity.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.1051725/full – This study investigates the impact of fertilizer application on alfalfa yield, particularly in soils with varying levels of organic matter. The findings indicate that fertilizer application can significantly increase alfalfa yield, especially in soils with low organic matter content, highlighting the importance of soil management practices for alfalfa production.
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