Advances in extracting bioactive constituents from Medicago sativa L. (Alfalfa): A systematic approach of green and conventional techniques

Summary

This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesises evidence from 80 peer-reviewed studies on extraction of bioactive compounds from Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa), identifying 124 distinct constituents across 13 chemotypes. The review provides comparative evidence that innovative extraction technologies—particularly ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid methods—deliver equal or superior yields of flavonoids, phenolics and saponins whilst substantially reducing solvent consumption (30–90%), energy demand (40–70%) and thermal damage relative to conventional maceration, Soxhlet and hydrodistillation techniques. The findings support development of more sustainable, efficient extraction pathways for functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Regional applicability

The review is based on global literature and does not specify UK-conducted research, but findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom food and nutraceutical manufacturers seeking to optimise alfalfa extraction efficiency and sustainability. Alfalfa is grown commercially in the UK primarily as a forage crop; the extraction optimisation insights would support value-addition strategies in the UK agri-food sector.

Key measures

Bioactive constituent yield; solvent consumption reduction; energy use reduction; thermal degradation; extraction selectivity; phytochemical class distribution

Outcomes reported

The systematic review identified 124 distinct bioactive constituents across 13 phytochemical classes in alfalfa and compared extraction yields, selectivity and environmental impact of conventional versus innovative extraction technologies. Innovative methods—particularly ultrasound-assisted and supercritical CO₂ extraction—achieved superior or equivalent yields of key bioactives whilst reducing solvent consumption, energy use and thermal degradation.

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