Evidence supporting the use of: Alfalfa
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for a variety of conditions, including as a general tonic and to help with inflammatory issues such as arthritis. The use of alfalfa for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based primarily on traditional herbal practices rather than robust scientific evidence. Historically, alfalfa was believed to have anti-inflammatory and nutritive properties, and some herbalists recommended it for joint pain or rheumatism. This may be attributed to its content of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients such as saponins and flavonoids, which are thought to have health benefits. However, scientific studies supporting the efficacy of alfalfa in treating or managing RA are extremely limited. There are no well-designed clinical trials demonstrating that alfalfa supplementation significantly reduces symptoms or inflammation associated with RA. In fact, concerns have been raised about potential adverse effects, such as alfalfa’s ability to trigger autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals due to its L-canavanine content. This amino acid derivative has been reported, in rare cases, to exacerbate autoimmune diseases. In summary, while the use of alfalfa for RA is grounded in traditional use, there is minimal scientific validation for its effectiveness, and it is not widely recommended in modern evidence-based medicine for this condition. Individuals considering its use should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals, especially those with autoimmune diseases.

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Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abies spectabilis
Abrus
Actaea spicata
adrenal cortex
Akebia
Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
alpha-pinene
alpinia galangal
amber
amentoflavone
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
andrographolide
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
apocynin
Aralia
arctiin
arjunic acid
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalin
baicalein
baicalin
barbasco
bee venom
Bergenia
Black Hellebore
Black willow
bogbean
borage oil
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
carnosic acid
celery
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese pond turtle
chuchuhuasi
clematis
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cod liver oil
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cortisol
curcumin
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
fisetin
fish protein
flavanols
flavones
Flemingia philippinensis
frankincense
fructoborate
Fumaria parviflora
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
Gentiana macrophylla
ginger
ginkgetin
green-lipped mussel
guelder rose
Gypenoside
Harpagoside
Hellebore
horse gram
hydroxytyrosol
Hyperoside
Jatropha macrantha
Kaempferol
krill oil
luteolin
madder
mangiferin
Marine fat
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Myricetin
Myristoleate
Nobiletin
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phaeophyceae
phospholipids
Piper chaba
Polydatin
polyunsaturated fat
proteoglycans
Puerarin
Qin Jiao
resveratrol
rose hips
Salicin
Salmon Oil
Salvianolic acid
saponins
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Semecarpus anacardium
Shilajit
Silkmoth
Sinomenium acutum
slippery elm bark
smilax
Stearidonic acid
Sulforaphane
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Szechuan lovage
Tanshinone
Taxillus chinensis
teasel
turmeric
Uncaria
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Watercress
white willow
Withanolides