Abstract

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON ONE OF THE NUTRACEUTICAL POTENTIAL PLANT MEDICAGO SATIVA (ALFALFA)

Megha S. Shah*, Dhumal Supriya, Ghavate Mayuri and Dr. Rajesh J. Oswal

Abstract

The role of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the development of agricultural production and intensification of forage production is due to the high potential of biomass on the one hand anti-oxidative and nutritional value on the other hand. The ever-increasing growth in the size of the human population is causing a growing demand for animal protein. This demand has spurred an interest in cheaper, plant-derived proteins that have an equally rich protein composition as alternatives to proteins of animal origin. Lucerne Medicago (L.) is the most popular and widespread protein-yielding crop which is grown in cool-climate regions. Extracts and concentrates of lucerne contain, along with proteins, also many vitamins, nutritive substances and secondary metabolites. Due to valuable chemical constituents which show phytobiotic action on humans. Lucerne is used in folk medicine and phytotherapy. Medicago sativa seems to hold great potential for in-depth investigation for various biological activities, especially their effects on central nervous and cardiovascular system. Through this review, the authors hope to attract the attention of natural product researchers throughout the world to focus on the unexplored potential of M. sativa, and it may be useful in developing new formulations with more therapeutic value.

Keywords: Medicago sativa L., phytotherapy, Lucerne, Lipid lowering activity, Systemic lupus erythematosus.