Medicago sativa (Family: Fabaceae) was used traditionally for the treatment of arthritis, kidney problems, fever, as diuretic, anti-cancer, anti-rheumatic, cardiotonic, depurative, lactagogue, emmenagogue, antiscorbutic and in the treatment of boils. Leaves and sprouts were also consumed as vegetable salad. The leaves or seeds were sold as bulk powdered herb, capsules, and tablets for nutritional supplement in health food stores. The phytochemical analysis of Medicago sativashowed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, lignin, phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids triterpene glycosides, carotenoids, sterols, phytoestrogens, flavones, isoflavonoids and phenolic compounds. The previous pharmacological investigation showed that the plant possessed antioxidant, antidiabetic, reproductive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, dermatological, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, immunological, cardioprotective, cytotoxic, anti-scorbutic, anti-anemic, xanthine oxidase inhibition and many other pharmacological effects. The current review discussed the bioactive constituents and pharmacological activities of Medicago sativa.

Marrubium vulgare (Family: Lamiaceae) was used traditionally in the treatment of dyspeptic complains, pulmonary infections, cough, rheumatoid arthritis, night blindness, loss of appetite, as cholagogue, purgative, diuretic, bitter tonic, carminative and appetizer. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the plant contained alkaloids, sterols, steroids, terpenoids (diterpene), saponins, flavonoid, catecholic tannins, anthocyans, phenolic compounds and many other bioactive ingredients. The pharmacological investigations showed that the plant exerted anti-inflammatory, antiedematogenic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardiovascular hypolipidemic, antispasmodic and many other biological effects. This review discussed the bioactive contents and pharmacological activities of Marrubium vulgare.