Medicago Sativa Leaf Powder
Alfalfa leaf has a long history of food/forage use but contains the non-protein amino acid L-canavanine, which has been associated with onset and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus in primate and human case reports. NIH and clinical reviews caution patients with autoimmune disease against alfalfa supplementation.
What it is
Dried, ground leaves of Medicago sativa (alfalfa), a perennial flowering legume.
Plant-based supplement / botanical ingredient, source of chlorophyll, vitamin K, and minerals.
Why it's flagged
- L-canavanine and possible lupus exacerbation
- vitamin K interaction with warfarin
- Salmonella risk historically linked to sprouts
What regulators actually say
"Alfalfa contains L-canavanine, a non-protein amino acid that has been reported to induce a lupus-like syndrome in monkeys and to reactivate SLE in humans."
"Ingestion of alfalfa seeds caused a lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys; the active agent was identified as L-canavanine sulfate."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Used as a food/dietary supplement ingredient; sprouts subject to FDA produce safety guidance.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted as a food supplement ingredient in EU member states; no specific authorization as a novel food required for traditional leaf use.
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