Herbs & Supplements

Alfalfa Other Names: Feuille de Luzerna, Lucerne, Medicago, Medicago sativa, Purple Medick What side effects should I watch for? Major Side Effects In a documented case, one individual who ate more than 100,000 mg (100 grams or about 3 ounces) of alfalfa seeds per day, experienced a condition known as pancytopenia. In this condition, normal production of both red blood cells and white blood cells decreases. Possible results include bleeding gums, bruising, fatigue, or less resistance to infections. When the individual stopped consuming alfalfa seeds, blood cell production gradually returned to normal. Less Severe Side Effects Allergic reactions to alfalfa have been reported. Alfalfa is a member of the same family of plants as peas, peanuts, and soybeans. Therefore individuals sensitive to one of those related plants may also be sensitive to alfalfa. << Back What interactions should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.