Lespedeza capitata

Lespedeza capitata (Roundhead Bush Clover): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Description

Lespedeza capitata Michx. — commonly known as roundhead bush clover, roundhead lespedeza, or round-headed bush clover — is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae (legumes, formerly Leguminosae). L. capitata is native to eastern North America, including eastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States. It also carries a historical synonym: Hedysarum fructescens Willd. (also termed Lespedeza capitata Michaux) is a leguminous flavonoid plant.

The plant is a perennial herb with erect stems growing up to 1.5 meters tall. The taproot may grow over two meters deep into the soil, with lateral roots reaching out one meter horizontally. The alternately arranged leaves are each made up of several leaflets. The plant is coated in silvery hairs. More specifically, its leaves are alternate, compound and generally trifoliate; the leaflets measure approximately 4.5×1.8 cm; the petiole is short (2–5 mm). The leaves and stems are covered with appressed hairs that can give the plant a silver sheen. The flowers are papilionaceous and densely grouped into axillary inflorescences. The petals are white except for the standard, which has a pink to purple tinge.

In the wild it grows in wooded areas, on prairies, and in disturbed habitat such as roadsides. Its cultivation in Europe started in France in 1950 in the "Val de Loire" from seeds coming from North America. Today, Lespedeza capitata Michx. is cultivated in Europe and particularly in France.

With around 40 species spread throughout temperate and subtropical environments, mostly in East Asia and North America, the genus Lespedeza (Fabaceae) includes a variety of species that have been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. Among its species, Lespedeza capitata, Lespedeza bicolor, and Lespedeza cuneata have been extensively studied for their medicinal properties.

Common Preparations and Dosage Forms

The plant part used medicinally is primarily the aerial portion. The stem (the herb) of Lespedeza capitata (round-headed bush clover) is used in medicinal products. The aerial parts of Lespedeza capitata Michx. are still used today for their therapeutic properties. Powdered or in the form of extracts, they are marketed for the preparation of infusions, as dietary supplements, homeopathic or pharmaceutical preparations (azotemia; urinary sphere) or veterinary preparations (urinary sphere).

In veterinary medicine, Lespedeza capitata is used in mono-preparations as an extract, tincture, powder, in form of injections (intravenous, subcutaneous), and drinking solutions and tablets. It is used as a diuretic and for treatment of hyperazotaemia. In human medicine, a medicinal product for oral administration containing a 15% alcoholic solution of Lespedeza capitata is used to stimulate renal water excretion.

The most historically prominent pharmaceutical preparation based on this plant was Lespenephryl. The drug was prescribed in cases of renal insufficiency, notably in patients suffering from heart diseases and/or obesity, for its normolipidemic, hypoazotemic and diuretic actions. Two formulations were proposed originally, an oral liquid form and an injectable solution. Lespenephryl was removed from the market in 1996, but phyto-therapeutic preparations containing Lespedeza capitata extracts can still be found.

The plant is harvested from the wild for local and commercial use as a medicine and local use as a tea, and also for use as an ingredient in cosmetics. Currently, Lespedeza capitata Michx. is mainly cultivated for its use in dietary supplements and pharmaceutical, homeopathic and veterinary preparations.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Lespedeza capitata Michx. is part of the traditional medicine of many Native American ethnicities. The Omaha and Ponca used the stems as a moxa to treat rheumatism or neuralgia. The Comanche used the leaves in the form of an infusion. The Meskwaki used the root as an antidote for poisoning (USDA-NRCS Plant Guide, 5 Dec. 2000).

Records of folk medicine from native North Americans also report the use of the root as an antidote to poisoning, and of the stems as moxibustion in the treatment of neuralgia and rheumatism. Flavonoids and tannins are abundant in the plant, and are presumed to account for its therapeutic virtues.

Beyond Native American traditions, the plant's medicinal exploitation was substantially developed in Europe from the mid-twentieth century onward. The aerial parts of Lespedeza capitata Michx. have essentially been studied for their properties in the urinary sphere (particularly their diuretic and anti-azotemic capacity). Several clinical studies have been documented. The majority were conducted in the 1960s to 1980s, mainly in France.

As early as the 1950s, Lespedeza capitata extracts, given their influence on renal function, were experimentally used to influence renal function in allergic experimental nephritis and to improve diuresis in patients with chronic renal failure. In the 1970s, the flavonoids contained in Lespedeza were studied for their ability to control azotemia in patients with renal disease.

The plant was also employed to ease digestive complaints, such as diarrhea and dysentery, thanks to its astringent qualities. In herbal medicine, Lespedeza capitata has often been incorporated into multi-herb combinations to enhance its efficacy. Blends with goldenrod, corn silk, and uva ursi, for example, have been used to create comprehensive formulas for promoting urinary and kidney function.

3. Key Constituents and Phytochemistry

The plant contains as essential constituents: flavonoids, tannins, and acid-phenols. More specifically, the stem (the herb) of Lespedeza capitata is used in medicinal products. Its main constituents are flavonoids, which are contained up to 0.1% in fresh plants: Lespedesin (kämpferitrin), n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, n-hentriacontane and n-tritriacontane.

Major Flavonoid Constituents

• Lespedesin / Lespedin (Kaempferitrin / Kaempferol-3,7-dirhamnoside): Aqueous extracts of L. capitata contain a variety of proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, in particular lespedesin, also called kaempferitrin, or kaempferol-3,7-dirhamnoside, a well-known natural product with diuretic and renal protective properties. The structure of lespedin has been shown to be kaempferol 3,7-dirhamnoside. The active functional components of Lespedeza capitata include lespedin (also referred to as kaempferitrin), lespecapitoside, calein and others that are important for glomerular filtration and have a significant effect on renal activity. The isolated ingredient lespedin (kaempferitrin) has a particularly significant effect on various kidney diseases and is associated with improved microcirculation in glomeruli.
• Lespecapitoside (Lespedecapitoside): The group of flavonoids also contains another extremely active ingredient, lespecapitoside. Lespecapitoside acts on the damaged nephron tissue by reducing the overexpression of nuclear factor KappaB and increasing matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) protein expression. The result is a reduction in the extracellular matrix of nephrons. More specifically, L. capitata possesses lespedecapitoside, a special glycosidic molecule attracting interest for its effect on renal function. Although research combined Lespedeza species, lespedecapitoside — specifically for L. capitata — is recognized in the literature and is an ingredient in commercial supplements as a bioactive agent having nephroprotective effects.
• Quercetin: L. capitata has useful components including quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and lespedecapitoside.
• Kaempferol and its glycosides: The antioxidant component kaempferitrin is isolated, along with other flavonoids. Kaempferitrin or kaempferol-3,7-dirhamnoside is of particular importance for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Kaempferol 3,7-dirhamnoside found in Lespedeza capitata is a yellow compound with a low molecular weight (molecular weight of 286.2 g/mol) and is a common natural flavonoid. This flavonoid is widespread in many plant-derived foods and traditional medicine. Kaempferol and its glycosides have many different pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, etc.
• Additional polyphenols: The rich polyphenolic profile includes quercetin, catechin, rutin, and special substances like lespeflorin B/C and lespecunioside A/B. Overall phytochemical investigations allowed the identification of flavonoid O and C glycosides, caffeic acid derivatives, and phytosterols from plant extracts.
• Proanthocyanidins: Lespedeza capitata contains proanthocyanidins that have an inhibitory effect on ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme).
• Hydrocarbons: Among the identified constituents are also the long-chain hydrocarbons n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, n-hentriacontane, and n-tritriacontane.

Flavonoids, constituents of Lespedeza capitata, belong to a naturally occurring group of phenolic compounds many of which are plant pigments and thus natural constituents of the animal and human diet. Flavonoids are absorbed by passive diffusion. Pharmacological activity (increased diuresis) is noted within the first hour after administration and increases for 7 hours (peak activity). With autoradiographs, using 14C flavonoids, it was shown that these compounds are rapidly distributed and predominantly found in the bile, in the liver, and to a lesser extent in the kidneys, muscles, and bones.

4. Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic properties of Lespedeza capitata extract are associated with a concentration of the compounds in the bile. The compounds diffuse into tissues and are eliminated through the urine. In cases of renal impairment, a hepatobiliary elimination pathway is used.

5. Mechanisms of Action

Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for the bioactivities of Lespedeza capitata extract, with the greatest mechanistic evidence relating to its renal and anti-inflammatory effects.

Renal / Hypoazotemic Mechanisms

Lespedeza capitata's mechanism of action for removing nitrogen-containing metabolites by improved glomerular filtration, though not yet fully clarified, is thought to be due to lespedine, lespecapitoside, and other Lespedeza capitata components that directly affect the vessels and other structures in the glomeruli. Lespedeza capitata extract enhances diuresis, eliminates edema, reduces azotaemia and albuminuria, increases sodium excretion, and to a lesser extent potassium, promotes renal filtration and excretion of nitrogenous products in the urine.

Anti-inflammatory and NF-κB Pathway Inhibition

The flavonoid lespecapitoside acts on damaged nephron tissue by reducing the overexpression of nuclear factor KappaB (NF-κB) and increasing MMP-9 protein expression. The result is a reduction in the extracellular matrix of nephrons.

ACE Inhibition

Lespedeza capitata contains proanthocyanidins that have an inhibitory effect on ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), suggesting a potential mechanism for antihypertensive effects that may also contribute to renoprotection.

Antioxidant Activity

Among the most researched members of the polyphenolic profile is rutin, a flavonoid with proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Rutin helps the plant to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), therefore shielding skin and other tissues from oxidative stress. Results of phytochemical analysis showed that this species contains various polyphenols with good antioxidant properties.

5α-Reductase Inhibition

Inventors have shown that an extract of Lespedeza capitata Michx. inhibits 5α-reductase activity in cells of the dermal papilla. Therefore, the extract of Lespedeza capitata Michx. is considered useful in the area of hair loss but also in seborrhea of the scalp and associated dermocapillary disorders.

Collagen and Skin Cell Effects

Cell-free enzymatic assays showed collagenase inhibition, while an ELISA assay revealed efficient stimulation of fibroblast collagen production. In vitro studies further showed that the effects of plant ethanolic extracts at doses ranging from 0.25 to 50 μg/mL were evaluated using in vitro tests on HaCaT human keratinocytes, 46BR.1N fibroblasts, and adipocyte cell cultures; the MTT assay revealed weak effects on cell viability (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and significant increase of fibroblast growth rate.

6. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

6.1 Renal Function and Chronic Kidney Disease

This is the most thoroughly studied application of Lespedeza capitata, supported by both historical clinical data and more recent controlled studies.

Historical European clinical data (1950s–1980s): The aerial parts of Lespedeza capitata Michx. have essentially been studied for their properties in the urinary sphere (particularly their diuretic and anti-azotemic capacity). Several clinical studies have been documented. The majority were conducted in the 1960s to 1980s, mainly in France. The clinical studies particularly relate to the administration of Lespedeza capitata Michx. extracts intravenously to patients with kidney disease. Published case reports and uncontrolled clinical trials from this era, indexed in PubMed, include work by Obrowsky (1958), Loeper & Loeper (1959), Mertz & Keine (1964, Arzneimittelforschung), and Kiczak & Wichert (1964), as well as a clinical pharmacology study of a lyophilized extract by Pozet and Traeger (1972, Lyon Méd), and a German-language clinical trial by Gau (1969, Med Welt). However, none of these records have accessible English-language abstracts available, limiting independent appraisal of their methodology.

Documented pharmacological advantages from this body of work: Lespedeza capitata was found to help eliminate nitrogenous substances such as creatinine, urea, and uric acid, and to improve diuresis without altering the electrolyte balance. Another positive effect is that it contributes to the normalization of the lipid profile of the body.

In numerous scientific studies, Lespedeza capitata is recommended for inflammatory kidney disease, chronic kidney failure (CKF), pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis; as an extremely effective hypoazotemic, as a moderate diuretic that stabilizes water-salt metabolism and acts as an anti-inflammatory; and for recurrent urinary infections and recurrent uroinfections in transplant patients.

More recent controlled human study (2021–2022): The aim of the study published in the journal KIDNEYS was the assessment of the renoprotective potential of the drug Libera (Lespedeza capitata) in patients with CKD stages 2–3 on the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study included 107 patients with type 2 DM, aged 19 to 75 years (female 41.1%, male 58.9%), CKD stages 2–3, with micro- and macroalbuminuria (category A2 and A3). The patients were divided into two groups: group I received traditional stable glucose-lowering and antihypertensive therapy (n=50), and group II received traditional stable glucose-lowering and antihypertensive therapy in combination with Libera (Lespedeza capitata) (n=57), which was prescribed 1 capsule three times daily regardless of food intake for 3 months. The renoprotective potential of Lespedeza capitata (Libera) was demonstrated after 3 months of treatment in the form of a significant increase in GFR in patients with CKD stage 2 in group II up to 79.0 ± 1.4 ml/min. This is a comparative controlled study, though not a randomized placebo-controlled trial, and was conducted in a single country; its findings therefore should be considered preliminary-to-moderate in terms of evidence strength.

Preclinical and review data: Ethanol extracts based on Lespedeza capitata and Lespedeza bicolor have a long history of use and are characterised by proven hypoazotemic, nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. They are successfully used for the prevention and treatment of chronic renal failure, acute and chronic nephritis and extrarenal azotemia.

Evidence assessment: The renal applications have the most accumulated evidence for this plant, but a significant proportion of clinical work dates from the 1960s–1980s and is largely published in French or German without accessible English abstracts. More recent peer-reviewed data is limited to small or unblinded studies. Overall, evidence is preliminary-to-moderate in strength, with mechanistic and historical clinical data providing the most compelling rationale.

6.2 Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (Veterinary Evidence)

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by structural and/or functional impairment of one or both kidneys persisting for more than 3 months. In cats, CKD can frequently occur in animals aged over 9 years with an incidence of approximately 10%. Thirty-four client-owned, neutered cats suffering from stage II–III chronic kidney disease (diagnosed according to IRIS guidelines) were randomly assigned to receive either a control diet (n=17) or a nutraceutical diet (ND; n=17) for 90 days. Both diets were commercialized for management of CKD symptoms. The diets were identical except that the ND contained tablets consisting of 60–80% hydrolysed proteins, 20–40% minerals and active substances, including Lespedeza spp. 0.0588%, Vaccinium macrocarpon 0.0371%, and Taraxacum officinale 0.0231%.

After a 90-day evaluation, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, and aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased in cats that received the ND. A significant decrease was also observed in urine turbidity score, color score, and total proteins in cats that received the ND. The authors concluded that a nutraceutical diet based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Taraxacum officinale improves key indicators of renal failure in cats affected by chronic kidney disease. No adverse effects were reported during this study.

Limitation: The nutraceutical diet employed three botanical ingredients simultaneously, making it impossible to attribute the observed effects specifically to Lespedeza capitata alone.

6.3 Lipid-Lowering / Antihyperlipidemic Effects

The cholesterol-lowering activity of a tincture of Lespedeza capitata Michx. administered orally has been documented in a clinical study conducted in 39 subjects with stable hypercholesterolemia (Yarnell and Abascal, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 13(1): 18–23, 2007). This was a small, uncontrolled case series; the evidence is therefore preliminary.

Earlier non-indexed work also noted lipid effects: a report on the effect of Lespedeza capitata extract on blood lipids was published by Loeper J. and Loeper J. in Prog Med (Paris) in February 1959 (PMID: 13645816), though no English abstract is available for that work either.

6.4 Antioxidant Activity

Lespedeza capitata is a medicinal and melliferous plant known for its various beneficial properties including antioxidant, antiaging, and antiedematous effects. Studies have been conducted to identify and quantify the secondary metabolites from a selective L. capitata extract and to evaluate antioxidant activity. Particularly in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic applications, Lespedeza species show notable pharmacological promise, due in large part to their high polyphenolic content. For L. capitata specifically, it showed an antioxidant profile (IC50: 40–60 μg/mL; FRAP: 743.2 µmol Fe²⁺/g). This is primarily in vitro evidence, and the evidence must be characterized as preliminary.

6.5 Skin Care: Collagen, Fibroblast, and Keratinocyte Effects

Melilotus officinalis and Lespedeza capitata extracts possess bioactivities potentially available for skin care applications. The study concerned the biological activities of the legume crops Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. and Lespedeza capitata Michx. for their potential use in skin care applications. The effects of plant ethanolic extracts at doses ranging from 0.25 to 50 μg/mL (from 1 to 5000 μg/mL in cell viability assays) were evaluated using in vitro tests on HaCaT human keratinocytes, 46BR.1N fibroblasts, and adipocyte cell cultures, and on matrix-degrading enzymes. The MTT assay revealed weak effects on cell viability (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and significant increase of fibroblast growth rate with both extracts. Cell-free enzymatic assays showed collagenase inhibition, while an ELISA assay revealed efficient stimulation of fibroblast collagen production.

Lespedeza shows effects on ectoderm derivatives, including skin and the kidneys. Results of studies showed significant stimulation of the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, as well as increased collagen synthesis with a lipolytic effect on adipocytes. The researchers concluded on the possibility of using herbal medicinal preparations of Lespedeza capitata to stimulate skin cells and tissue regeneration, for anti-aging therapy and induction of lipolysis due to flavonoid extract. This evidence is entirely in vitro; no human clinical trials have assessed these skin effects directly.

6.6 Hair Loss and 5α-Reductase Inhibition

Investigators evaluated the effects of a Lespedeza capitata extract (LCE) on markers of hair growth and anchorage in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), and investigated the ability of a topical serum containing these active ingredients to improve hair follicle growth in an ex vivo human scalp skin model. In HFDPCs, researchers assessed receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation; quantified versican, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Dickkopf-1 (DDK1) secretion; and evaluated 5α-reductase (5αR) activity.

The patent application for Lespedeza capitata extract relates to its use in cosmetics and/or dermatology in the field of hair care and, more specifically, in the treatment and/or prevention of alopecia and/or seborrhea of the scalp. This evidence is preliminary and largely preclinical (in vitro cell assay and ex vivo skin biopsy); no completed randomized clinical trials in human subjects with alopecia have been published to date based on available sources.

6.7 Cardiovascular and Lipid Effects (Preclinical)

In experimental and clinical studies, L. capitata was reported to exercise positive effects on tissue draining, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. The complex of biologically active substances included in the preparation has been found to possess nephro- and hepatoprotective, hypo-azotemic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects and is considered promising in the treatment of many diseases of the urinary system. The cardiovascular and antidiabetic claims rest on preclinical and historical case-series data; controlled human trials are not available in accessible peer-reviewed literature.

6.8 Veterinary Medicine

Lespedeza capitata, a plant used in veterinary medicine, contains flavonoids and is utilized primarily as a diuretic for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The pharmacodynamic properties include increased diuresis and reduced blood urea nitrogen levels, with a noted efficacy comparable to theophylline and theobromine. The Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products concluded that there is no need to establish a maximum residue limit (MRL) for Lespedeza capitata due to its natural occurrence in diets and limited use in animal treatment.

7. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

• Renal / Urinary system: Diuresis, reduction of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid; improvement of glomerular filtration rate; management of hyper-azotemia, chronic nephritis, chronic kidney disease.
• Cardiovascular system: ACE inhibition; normolipidemic action; improvement of microcirculation.
• Dermatological system: Fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis stimulation, collagenase inhibition, keratinocyte motility, lipolytic effects on adipocytes; 5α-reductase inhibition relevant to androgenetic alopecia and scalp seborrhea.
• Metabolic / Antioxidant: Scavenging of reactive oxygen species; antidiabetic potential noted in preclinical studies.
• Musculoskeletal: Traditional moxibustion use for rheumatism and neuralgia.
• Digestive: Astringent properties traditionally applied to diarrhea and dysentery.

8. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

Dosage information specific to L. capitata is limited in the published literature and varies by application and preparation. The following reflect only doses explicitly stated in identified sources:

• Human renal disease (Libera capsules, CKD/type 2 DM study): One capsule three times daily (t.i.d.) regardless of food intake for 3 months.
• Human medicine (oral liquid formulation): A medicinal product for oral administration containing a 15% alcoholic solution of Lespedeza capitata is used to stimulate renal water excretion.
• Veterinary use: Doses of the finished product usually administered to animals are 8 ml/100 kg of a 15% solution prepared from a tincture of Lespedeza capitata. Target species are cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
• Nutraceutical feline diet: The nutraceutical diet contained tablets that consisted of 60–80% hydrolysed proteins, 20–40% minerals and active substances, including Lespedeza spp. 0.0588%, Vaccinium macrocarpon 0.0371%, and Taraxacum officinale 0.0231%.
• In vitro skin studies: Ethanolic extracts at doses ranging from 0.25 to 50 μg/mL (from 1 to 5000 μg/mL in cell viability assays) were evaluated using in vitro tests.

No standardized human dosage range has been established by any regulatory body or pharmacopeia in accessible published sources.

9. Safety Considerations

General toxicological profile: Researchers have found that Lespedeza capitata has extremely low toxicity. The Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products concluded that there is no need to establish a maximum residue limit (MRL) for Lespedeza capitata due to its natural occurrence in diets and limited use in animal treatment. Flavonoids are natural constituents in the animal and human diet.

Subacute toxicity data: Subacute toxicity was tested in 10 mice, 10 rats, 10 guinea pigs, 6 rabbits, 3 cats and 2 dogs by intramuscular administration of 5 ml/kg bw/day (five times the therapeutic dose) during one month. Specific outcomes of this study are not available in accessible English-language abstracts.

Adverse effects reported: In overdoses with very high doses, it is suspected that gastrointestinal irritation or diarrhea may occur. In rare cases, individual hypersensitivity to the extract is possible. No adverse effects were reported during the 90-day feline nutraceutical CKD study.

Electrolyte balance: Researchers have found that Lespedeza capitata has a pronounced hypoazotemic effect and leads to improvement of diuresis and decrease of the level of residual nitrogen in the blood. It does not cause increased release of potassium from the body. This distinguishes its diuretic profile from some conventional diuretics associated with hypokalemia.

Pharmacokinetic note in renal impairment: The pharmacokinetic properties of Lespedeza capitata extract are associated with a concentration of the compounds in the bile. The compounds diffuse into tissues and are eliminated through the urine. In cases of renal impairment, a hepatobiliary elimination pathway is used, which may be relevant when considering its use in patients with severely compromised kidney function.

Absence of formal regulatory safety monograph: No safety monograph for Lespedeza capitata for human use has been issued by the EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), the WHO, ESCOP, or the U.S. FDA as a dietary supplement ingredient in any source identified during research. The EMA assessment available is a veterinary product committee report only. The evidence base for safety in humans rests almost entirely on older European clinical experience and the low-toxicity profile of its flavonoid constituents as natural food components.

10. Regulatory and Commercial Status

Lespedeza capitata Michx. is mainly cultivated for its use in dietary supplements and pharmaceutical, homeopathic and veterinary preparations. The principal pharmaceutical product derived from it, Lespenephryl (manufactured originally by Laboratoires Fraysse, Nanterre, and later by UCB Pharma and Solvay), was a widely used drug in France and Central Europe for several decades. Lespenephryl was removed from the market in 1996, but phyto-therapeutic preparations containing Lespedeza capitata extracts can still be found.

The European Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products concluded that there is no need to establish a maximum residue limit (MRL) for Lespedeza capitata due to its natural occurrence in diets and limited use in animal treatment, resulting in its inclusion in Annex II of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2377/90 for all food-producing species.

References

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