title: Chemical composition of lucerne leaf extract (EFL) and its applications as a phytobiotic in human nutrition.
abstract: Lucerne, a valuable plant grown mainly for animal feed, is rich in protein, minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Zn, Si), vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K, U), phytochemical substances (carotene, chlorophyll, coumarins, isoflavones, alkaloids, saponins), contains secondary metabolites of plants (phytoestrogens: isoflavones and coumestrol), and antinutritional components (phytates, L-canavanine, saponins). It may be used as a dietary supplement in human nutrition. The proteins found in lucerne are comprised of numerous exogenous and semi-exogenous amino acids which are desirable for human body. Extract from the leaves of alfalfa (EFL - l'Extrait Foliaire de Luzerne) practically does not contain mycotoxins and pesticide pollutants. It is a completely natural product, safe even in a long-term supplementation. Extract from the leaves of alfalfa has a positive, multidirectional impact on the human body. It increases the level of estrogen, prevents atherosclerosis, helps blood circulation and strenghtens immunity, protects against the development of dangerous diseases of the digestive tract, combats anemia and many other health ailments. The results of preclinical studies indicate that alfalfa leaf extract enriched with vitamin C (EFL) can be a dietary supplement supporting the human body in fighting malnutrition, ischemic diseases, and various disorders of digestive tract. It also strengthens and enhances immunity.
authors: Department of Forage Crop Production, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy - NRI, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland. Eliza.Gawel@iung.pulawy.pl
authors: Eliza
authors: E
authors: Gaweł
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D000455:Medicago sativa / Q000737:chemistry*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D001205:Ascorbic Acid