Therapeutic potential of Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) : A comprehensive review of its bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties

Abstract

Medicago sativa or alfalfa (Fabaceae), commonly known as Berseen in Egypt, has been historically utilized to treat a variety of widely distributed diseases like arthritis and renal issues and is also used as a diuretic, antipyretic, antitumor, cardiotonic, anti-rheumatic, emmenagogue, depurative, antiscorbutic, lactagogue, and to treat boils. Sprouts and leaves were also eaten as a vegetable salad. In health food stores, seeds and leaves were sold in bulk as powdered herb, tablets, and capsules for nutritional supplementation. M. sativa phytochemical examination revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, lignin, tannins, flavones, saponins, triterpene glycosides, alkaloids, sterols, carotenoids, isoflavonoids, phytoestrogens, and many other bioactive substances. Preceding pharmacological research revealed that the plant experienced a wide range of beneficial effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, phytoestrogens, antimicrobial, antifungal, immunological, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, anti-scorbutic, anti-anemic, dermatological, and hepatoprotective activities. This review investigated the bioactive components together with the pharmacological properties of M. sativa.