Chemo-Pharmacological Aspects of Alfalfa: A Review

Abstract

Alfalfa is a common sight in many temperate grasslands of the world. Alfalfa belongs to pea family (Fabaceae). The herbal remedies made utilizing the alfalfa have been generally prescribed by herbalist for the treatment of a variety of ailments and disorders. The alfalfa can be taken in the form of an herbal tea and it is also used in the form of herbal tablets or capsules, at times the dried plant itself is consumed by patients. In the UK, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, it is also known as lucerne, and as lucerne grass in south Asia. In Hindi, it is known as chara (चारा), as (دشقه ) in Pashto, and in Gujarati as rajka or gadab. It resembles clover, with clusters of small purple flowers.