A review on Medicago sativa: A potential medicinal plant

Abstract

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.

Natural sources as promising future anticancer therapies - A review

“…Marrubium vulgare exhibited anticancer activity againt Ehrlich tumor cell lines, human tumor cell lines U251 and MCF7 (brain tumor and breast carcinoma cell lines), HeLa cell lines, K562, K562R (imatinib-resistant), and 697 human leukemia cell lines (502)(503)(504)(505) . Medicago sativa exhibited cytotoxic effects against sensitive and multidrug-resistant tumor cells lines [mouse leukaemia P388 cell line and its doxorubicin-resistant counterpart (P388/DOX) (506)(507) . Melilotus officinalis showed cytotoxicity in Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced potato disk tumor assay (508) .…”

Medicinal plants with lactogenic effect: A review

“…Medicago sativa feed increased milk yield, lowered fat, and increased milk protein in dairy cows (50)(51) .…”

A Comprehensive Review on Possible Synergistic Therapeutic Effects and Comparison Between Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile of Medicago sativa and Panax ginseng

“…M. sativa , also known as the “father of all medicinal plants,” has been valued for centuries for its numerous health benefits (Putnam & Orloff, 2014). Its leaves are renowned for being nutrient-dense in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting good cholesterol levels, and supporting general well-being (Al-Snafi et al, 2021). P. ginseng , commonly referred to as Asian ginseng, is renowned for its adaptogenic properties.…”

“…It has been cultivated for thousands of years and has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Today, it is widely cultivated as a forage crop for livestock feed, as well as for its medicinal properties and as a source of food for humans (Al-Snafi et al, 2021). M. sativa is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium.…”

“…Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants that is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. M. sativa is also a source of other beneficial compounds such as coumestrol, which has been shown tohave anticancer properties, and saponins, which may have cholesterol-lowering effects (Al-Snafi et al, 2021; Bora & Sharma, 2011b; Raeeszadeh et al, 2022). It is important to note that the nutritional and phytochemical composition of M. sativa can vary depending on factors such as growing conditions, processing, and storage.…”