Evidence supporting the use of: Alfalfa
For the health condition: Anemia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, often as a "blood tonic" or general nutritional supplement. Its use for anemia is primarily rooted in tradition rather than in strong scientific validation. Historically, practitioners of herbal and traditional medicine believed alfalfa to be beneficial for anemia due to its relatively high content of nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and some minerals, including iron. These nutrients are important for red blood cell formation and general blood health. However, the iron content in alfalfa is modest compared to other iron-rich foods, and its bioavailability (the amount the body can actually absorb and use) is not well established.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited research specifically evaluating alfalfa as a treatment for anemia. Most available studies focus on its general nutritive properties, antioxidant effects, and potential cholesterol-lowering benefits. There are a few animal studies suggesting possible hematopoietic (blood-forming) benefits, but these findings have not been robustly replicated in human trials. Thus, while alfalfa does contain compounds that could theoretically help with anemia, there is insufficient scientific evidence to recommend its use over established treatments such as iron supplements or dietary changes. Its reputation for supporting anemia is therefore mainly based on traditional use and anecdotal reports, with minimal direct clinical validation.
Other ingredients used for Anemia
alfalfaamino acids
anchovies
apple
ashwagandha
astragalus
beet
black cumin
sesame
blackberry
bovine
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caterpillar mushroom
catjang cowpea
chlorella
coconut milk
collard
cordyceps
dog rose
dong quai root
fish protein
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fu ling
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
greens blend (proprietary)
hibiscus
Indian tinospora
iron
jujube
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lactoferrin
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
maca
mackerel
moringa
nettle
oat
orange
oyster mushroom
parsley
plantain
plum fruit
pollen
pomegranate
pomelo
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quail egg
quinoa
redcurrant
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sardines
shiitake mushroom
soybean
spinach
spirulina
tomato
triphala
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
watercress
wheat grass
mulberry
yeast
zinc
suma
tangerine
shen-chu
mugwort
nut grass
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
morus
root tuber
cistanche
dodder
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
trichosanthes
dulse leaf
royal jelly
trace minerals
purslane
fulvic acid
aster root
shepherd's purse
wheat germ
biota seed
goji berry
paw paw
amaranth
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
kidney beans
chickpea protein
17beta-[{1-Ketoethyl}-androsta-1, 4-diene-3-one,17a-ol]
17a-di methyl-bol
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Animal Tissue
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Abrus
Alchornea
Autumn Olive
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Abalone
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Bermuda Grass
Bidens pilosa
Breadnut
Blepharis
Beef Protein
Butea monosperma
Beef
Beef liver
Buffalo
Bok Choy
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bael
Bean
Butternut
berry
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Broad Bean
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Blue-Green Alage
banana
Baobab
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bird's nest
Cumin
Cowpea
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Cashew
Citrus
Cereal grass
Chlorophytum
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Canihua
Chestnut
Cytokines
Cassava
Celosia
Currant
Duodenum
Deer Root
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dragon Fruit
Dong Quai
Dolichos
Date
Dulse
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Empresstree
Egg
Eclipta
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Fig
Folic Acid
Little ironweed
Molasses
Metal Salt
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by alfalfa
AnemiaArthritis
Breast Milk (dry up)
Cholesterol (high)
Debility
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Fingernails (weak or brittle)
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Labor and Delivery
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Nursing
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
Products containing alfalfa
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green