A review on Medicago sativa: A potential medicinal plant

Ali Esmail Al-Snafi 1, Hanaa Salman Khadem 2, Hussein Ali Al-Saedy 3, Ali M. Alqahtani 4, Gaber El-Saber Batiha 5, and Jafari-Sales Abolfazl 6

1 Dept. of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Thi qar, Iraq.
2 Dept. laboratory investigation, College of Science, Basra University, Iraq.
3 Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Thi qar, Iraq.
4 Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
5 Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicines, Damanhour University, Egypt.
6 Dept. of Microbiology School of Basic Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran.
 
Review
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2021, 01(02), 022-033.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijbpsa.2021.1.2.0302
Publication history: 
Received on 13 January 2021; revised on 01 February 2021; accepted on 03 February 2021
 
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.
 
Keywords: 
Medicago sativa; Constituents; Traditional uses; Pharmacology; Therapeutic; Toxicology
 
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