A review on Medicago sativa: A potential medicinal plant

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.