Medicago Sativa Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Alfalfa products carry two notable concerns when ingested: (1) alfalfa sprouts have been repeatedly linked to Salmonella and E. coli outbreaks; the FDA and CDC recommend high-risk groups avoid them; (2) alfalfa contains L-canavanine, an amino acid associated with lupus-like syndrome flare-ups in susceptible individuals at high dietary doses.
What it is
INCI name for juice expressed from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) flowers, leaves, and stems; used in cosmetics.
Cosmetic ingredient (skin-conditioning); not a typical food ingredient. Alfalfa sprouts/leaf are eaten as foods but the cosmetic 'juice' INCI is a non-food preparation.
Why it's flagged
- Salmonella/E. coli risk in sprouts
- L-canavanine and lupus reactivation
- phytoestrogenic effects at high doses
What regulators actually say
"Alfalfa sprouts have been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks caused by Salmonella and E. coli."
"Reversal of systemic lupus erythematosus on stopping alfalfa-tablet ingestion (canavanine implicated)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Cosmetic ingredient; alfalfa leaf is permitted food/supplement.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted food/supplement; sprouts subject to microbiological criteria.
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