12/ALETRIS PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESDOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Available in the forms of powdered
root, liquid extract and infusions for internal use.
Preparation: To prepare an infusion, 1.5 gm of the drug is
added to 100 ml of water. A fluid extract (1:1) is produced
with ethanol water (45%).
Daily Dosage: Approximately 6 gm. The recommended
single dose is 0.3 to 0.6 gm to be taken 3 times daily.
Infusion: 1.5 gm of the drug to 100 ml water. Fluid extract
(1:1), produced with ethanol water (45%).
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5 to 10
globules; Injection solution: 1 ml once a week sc (HAB1).
LITERATURE
Costello CH, Lynn EV, (1950) J Am Pharm Ass 39:117.
Marker RE et al., (1940) J Chem Soc 60:2620.
Further information in:
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim.
Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
pflanzliche Homeopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
York.Aletris farinosa
See Aletris
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
TRADE NAMES
Alfalfa, Alfalfa Concentrate, Alfalfa Fortified, Alfalfa Natu-
ral, Alfalfa Organics, Alfalfa Whole Juice Concentrate
Alfamin
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the whole flower-
ing plant or the germinating seeds.
Flower and Fruit: The clover-like flowers can be yellow to
violet-blue. They are 9 to 10 mm long and appear in oblong,
many-blossomed racemes. The fruit is a spiralled pod with 2
or 3 twists; the center is hollow and not thorny.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The annual, succulent plant grows
from 45 to 100 cm high. The stems are erect, smooth and
sharply angled. The leaves are trifoliate, petiolate, and
alternate. The leaflets are thorny-tipped, dentate toward the
front, obovate, and villous beneath. The stipules are ovate,
lanceolate, slightly dentate and acuminate.
Characteristics: The taste is unpleasantly salty, bitter and
dry.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region
and has been widely cultivated elsewhere for centuries.
Other Names: Lucerne, Purple Medick, Purple Medicle,
Buffalo Herb, Purple Medic
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: IN THE FOLIAGE
Carotinoids: including among others, lutein
Triterpene saponins: sojasapogenols A-E aglycones medica-
genic acid, hederagenin
Isoflavonoids: including among others, formononetin glyco-
sides, genistein, daidzein
Coumestans: coumestrol, 3'-methoxy coumestrol, lucernol,
sativol, trifoliol
Triterpenes: including among others, stigmasterol, spin-
asterol
Cyanogenic glycosides: (corresponding to less than 80 mg
HCN/100 g)
COMPOUNDS: IN THE SEEDS
L-canavaine
Betaine: stachydrine, homostachydrine
Trigonelline
Fatty oil
EFFECTS
The saponin contents act on the cardiovascular, nervous, and
digestive systems.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses:'In folk medicine, the drug is used in the
treatment of diabetes and malfunctioning of the thyroid
gland.
Alfalfa has isolated use as a diuretic and aromatic.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
LITERATURE
Berrang B, (1974) Phytochemistry 13:2253.
Gestetner B, (1974) Phytochemistry 10:2221.
Keeler RF, (1975) Lloydia 38:56.