Evidence supporting the use of: Alfalfa
For the health condition: Liver Detoxification
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has a long history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it has been used as a general tonic and for its purported ability to “cleanse” the body. In these traditions, alfalfa has sometimes been used as a supportive herb for liver health and detoxification, though it is not among the most prominent liver tonics (such as milk thistle or dandelion). The rationale for its use is primarily based on its rich nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, which are believed to support general metabolic processes and health. However, modern scientific validation for alfalfa’s direct effect on liver detoxification is limited. A few preclinical studies suggest alfalfa may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically benefit liver function, but these effects have not been sufficiently demonstrated in human clinical trials. There is a lack of robust evidence showing that alfalfa directly enhances liver detoxification pathways or protects against liver toxins in humans. Most claims regarding its liver-detoxifying effects are extrapolated from its nutrient composition and traditional use rather than rigorous scientific research. In summary, alfalfa’s use for liver detoxification is primarily rooted in traditional herbal practices with limited direct scientific support. Its general health benefits may support overall well-being, but its role as a liver detoxifier remains insufficiently substantiated by modern evidence.
Other ingredients used for Liver Detoxification
alfalfaaloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arjun tree
artichoke
asparagus
astragalus
barberry
barley
beet
myrobalan
berberine
beta caryophyllene
betel
black cumin
black garlic
radish
Indian frankincense
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
catalase
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chicory
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
chokeberry
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
d-glucarate
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
gardenia
gentian root
ginger
gooseberry
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
indole-3-carbinol
honeysuckle
knotweed
jujube
kale
kudzu
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-ornithine
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
moringa
naringin
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
orange
perilla
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
pollen
pumpkin
quercetin
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhubarb root
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
selenium
silymarin
spirulina
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
wasabia japonica
watercress
watermelon
wheat grass
whey protein
mulberry
zinc
sarsaparilla
cascara sagrada
typhonium
neem tree
enicostemma littorale
clerodendrum indicum
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
bile salt
morus
myrrh
root tuber
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
lotus seed
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
coix
polyporus
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
noni
biota seed
goji berry
algae
ashitaba
soursop
Arjuna
akebia
Ankaflavin
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Antrodia camphorata
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Avocado
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Adzuki bean
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Allyl Sulfide
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Borotutu
Blackthorn
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Bael
Butternut
Basidiomycota
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Black root
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Bignay
Bottle gourd
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
cholic acid
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Coriolus mushroom
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cynarin
Chinese Pond Turtle
Cruciferous
Centella asiatica
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Celandine
Cinnamic Acid
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Copalchi
Corktree
C-Phycocyanin
Cabbage
Chirata
Calamus
Chebulinic acid
Corilagin
Coumaric acid
Cynaropicrin
Cynodon dactylon
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Diallyl sulfide
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Deoxyandrographolides
Dithiolthiones
Desmodium
Duckweed
Ellagic Acid
Erodium cicutarium
Emblicanin
Endive
Embelia
Ellagitannin
Emodin
Flavonones
Glycine
Little ironweed
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rhubarb
walnut
Other health conditions supported by alfalfa
AnemiaArthritis
Breast Milk (dry up)
Cholesterol (high)
Debility
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Fingernails (weak or brittle)
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Labor and Delivery
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Nursing
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
Products containing alfalfa
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Alfalfa
Nature's Sunshine CA (ATC)
Nature's Sunshine Herbal CA
Nature's Sunshine Calcium Plus Vitamin D
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Herbal Trace Minerals
Nature's Sunshine Joint Support
Nature's Sunshine LB Extract
Nature's Sunshine Lymphomax
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Combination Potassium
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate GreenZone
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Greenzone
Nature's Sunshine Urinary System
Nature's Sunshine Zinc