Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption

The effect of phytoestrogens on the female genital tract

“…22 Coumestrol is also present in certain food supplements, such as alfalfa tablets. 10 The metabolism of phytoestrogens has been reviewed in detail elsewhere 13 and a detailed discussion is beyond the scope of this review. However, Sonnenschein and Soto 1 and Whitten and colleagues 7 have suggested that phytoestrogens may exert their biological activity by: (1) mimicking the action of endogenous oestrogens; (2) acting as oestrogen antagonists; (3) altering the pattern of synthesis and metabolism of endogenous hormones; and (4) modifying hormone receptor values.…”

The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…It contains many enzymes, including amylase, invertase, and pectinase, so it can be used as digestive aids [4]. More than 20% of dry weight of alfalfa is protein, and it is the best source of Arg, His, Asp, Phe, and Cys amino acids.…”

Gastroprotective evaluation of Medicago sativa L. (Fabaceae) on diabetic rats

“…In China, North Africa, Russia, and the United States, Medicago sativa is used as a food ingredient due to its high concentration of vitamins and bioactive components ( Liu et al, 2016 ). It includes a variety of digestive-aiding enzymes, including amylase, invertase, and pectinase ( Elakovich and Hampton 1984 ). Pharmacological research has shown that Medicago sativa extract has anti-diabetic properties ( Baxi et al, 2010 , Farsani et al, 2016 ), antioxidant ( Gomathi et al, 2014 , Sadeghi et al, 2016 ), anti-inflammatory ( Hong et al, 2009 ), antifungal ( Sadowska et al, 2014 ), cardio-protective ( Gomathi et al, 2014 ), antimicrobial ( Chavan et al, 2015 , Chegini et al, 2018 ), anticancer ( Gatouillat et al, 2015 ), hepatoprotective ( Liang et al, 2015 ), anti-coagulant, hypocholestrolemic ( Fana et al, 2018 ), anti-scorbutic ( Leavy and Fox, 1935 ) and in central nervous system (CNS) disorders ( Bora and Sharma, 2012 ).…”