Health Care Professional Information
Common Name
Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medick, Purple Medicle, Purple Medic
Clinical Summary
The leaves and seeds of this widely used food crop are thought to have diuretic properties and effective against diabetes, thyroid gland malfunction, arthritis, high cholesterol, and peptic ulcers (1) as well as promote menstruation and lactation (2). Alfalfa is also a popular treatment for asthma and hay fever (2). It is claimed to be a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K and of the minerals, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron (3).
Alfalfa sprout extracts exhibit neuroprotective (15); and estrogenic activity in vitro (9) (16).
Small uncontrolled trials show that alfalfa can lower cholesterol levels in humans (4) (5). L-canavanine, a toxic amino acid contained in alfalfa seeds was shown to affect T cells (7). Whether high enough concentrations of this substance are obtained through supplementation is uncertain (8).
Rats that were fed alfalfa were more susceptible to colon cancer, although such effects have not been observed in humans (18).
Ingestion of contaminated alfalfa sprouts and seeds resulted in fatalities (10) and salmonellosis (12); listeriosis has also been reported following consumption of contaminated alfalfa tablets (19). Because alfalfa sprouts have estrogenic effects, patients with estrogen-sensitive cancers should avoid alfalfa supplementation.
Food Sources
Alfalfa seeds and sprouts are available in many countries and used frequently as animal feed (2).
Purported Uses
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- GI disorders
- High cholesterol
- Lactation stimulation
- Menstrual disorder
- Promote urination
Constituents
Foliage
- Carotenoids: lutein
- Triterpene saponins: sojasapogenol A-E aglycones medicagenic acid, hederagenin
- Isoflavonoids: formononetin glycosides, genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, coumestrol
- Coumarins: coumestrol, 3'-methoxy coumestrol, lucernol, sativol, trifol, medicagol
- Triterpenes: sigmasterol, spinasterol
- Cyanogenic glycosides
Seeds
- L-canavanine
- Betaine: stachydrine, homostacydrine
- Trigonelline
- Fatty oil
(1) (3)
Mechanism of Action
Saponins contained in alfalfa act on the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems (1). The hypocholesterolemic and hemolytic activity of the leaves and sprouts of alfalfa are attributed to a steroidal saponin fraction which, along with fiber contained within the plant, binds to cholesterol in vitro. Alkaloids such as stachydrine and l-homo-stachydrine found in the seed are thought responsible for alfalfa's ability to promote menstrual discharge and for its lactogenic activity (2). Biochanin-A, an isoflavonoid constituent, blocks NF-κB activation by preventing phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, leading to decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, thus preventing proliferation and inflammation (17). Extracts from alfalfa preferentially served as agonists for estrogen receptor beta, and alfalfa increased estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation even more than did estradiol (9). The non-protein amino acid constituent, L-canavanine, constitutes 1.5% of the dry weight of alfalfa seeds and alfalfa sprouts. It has been shown to affect human T cells in vitro and induce hematologic and serologic abnormalities characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus in monkeys (13). This is the proposed mechanism by which systemic lupus erythematosus relapse occurs in humans as well (7), although some researchers question whether L-canavanine concentrations in alfalfa are sufficient to cause this effect (8).
Warnings
Alfalfa should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing (14). Patients with latent systemic lupus erythematosus have relapsed after ingesting alfalfa tablets (6). Alfalfa sprouts have been linked to a number of E. coli and Salmonella infections in California and Europe (10) (11) (12).
Contraindications
- Alfalfa should be avoided by pregnant and lactating women.
- Alfalfa should not be taken by patients with hormone sensitive cancer.
- Due to the high content of purines, alfalfa should be avoided in patients with gout (5).
Adverse Reactions
Reported (Oral): Pancytopenia has been associated with ingestion of large amounts of ground alfalfa seeds (3). Increased fecal volume and defecation frequency, loose stools and diarrhea as well as abdominal discomfort and intestinal gas have all been reported in patients on alfalfa supplementation (5).
Herb-Drug Interactions
- Because of its estrogenic activity, high levels of alfalfa may interfere with contraceptives and hormonal therapy (14).
- Alfalfa may increase effects of diuretic medication (2).
- Theoretically, alfalfa supplementation may interfere with hypoglycemic agents.
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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References
- PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale (NJ): Medical Economics; 1998.
- DerMarderosian A. The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1999.
- Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2002.
- Malinow MR, McLaughlin P, Stafford C. Alfalfa seeds: effects on cholesterol metabolism. Experientia 1980;36:562-4.
- Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998.
- Roberts JL,.Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361.
- Alcocer-Varela J, Iglesias A, Llorente L, Alarcon-Segovia D. Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa. Arthritis Rheum. 1985;28:52-7.
- Farnsworth NR. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62:1026-8.
- Boue SM, Wiese TE, Nehls S, Burow ME, Elliott S, Carter-Wientjes CH et al. Evaluation of the estrogenic effects of legume extracts containing phytoestrogens. J Agric.Food Chem. 2003;51:2193-9.
- Mohle-Boetani JC, Farrar JA, Werner SB, Minassian D, Bryant R, Abbott S et al. Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella infections associated with sprouts in California, 1996-1998. Ann.Intern.Med 2001;135:239-47.
- Emberland KE, Ethelberg S, Kuusi M, et al. Outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections in Norway, Denmark and Finland associated with alfalfa sprouts, July-October 2007. Euro Surveill. Nov 2007;12(11):E071129 071124.
- Werner S, Boman K, Einemo I, et al. Outbreak of Salmonella Stanley in Sweden associated with alfalfa sprouts, July-August 2007. Euro Surveill. Oct 2007;12(10):E071018 071012.
- Malinow MR, Bardana EJ, Jr., Pirofsky B, Craig S, McLaughlin P. Systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys fed alfalfa sprouts: role of a nonprotein amino acid. Science 1982;216:415-7.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications And Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2001.
- Bora KS, Sharma A. Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cerebroprotective Effect of Medicago sativa Linn. against Ischemia and Reperfusion Insult. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:792167.
- Hong YH, Wang SC, Hsu C, et al. Phytoestrogenic compounds in alfalfa sprout (Medicago sativa) beyond coumestrol. J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Jan 12;59(1):131-7.
- Kole L, Giri B, Manna SK, Pal B, Ghosh S. Biochanin-A, an isoflavon, showed anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities through the inhibition of iNOS expression, p38-MAPK and ATF-2 phosphorylation and blocking NFκB nuclear translocation. Eur J Pharmacol 2011;653(1-3):8-15.
- Watanabe K, Reddy BS, Weisburger JH, Kritchevsky D. Effect of dietary alfalfa, pectin, and wheat bran on azoxymethane-or methylnitrosourea-induced colon carcinogenesis in F344 rats. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1979 Jul;63(1):141-5.
- Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, Ashton FE, Ewan EP. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese. N Engl J Med. 1990 Feb 1;322(5):338.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom line: Alfalfa may be effective at reducing cholesterol levels, but there is no evidence that it can treat cancer and it has many side effects.
Alfalfa contains fiber and a substance called saponins, which are thought to bind with cholesterol in the body and may reduce cholesterol levels. Alfalfa plants also contain phytoestrogens, which act like some human hormones. In fact, alfalfa phytoestrogens caused the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells. Alfalfa seeds also contain a toxic amino acid, L-canavanine. Levels of this amino acid vary widely across various cultivations of plants, and decrease as the plant matures. It is thought that this amino acid may be responsible for alfalfa's ability to cause a relapse of lupus symptoms in patients who are in remission from the disease, and large levels of L-canavanine from alfalfa supplementation may have additional detrimental effects in humans.
Because it also has a significant estrogenic effect, patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid alfalfa.
Purported Uses
- To treat diabetes
Although alfalfa appears to lower blood glucose levels in animals, no studies have tested whether it has any significant effect in patients with diabetes.
- To treat high cholesterol
Two small trials have shown that alfalfa supplements lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol, but larger, controlled trials are necessary to confirm these results.
- As a diuretic
This is not backed by experimental evidence.
- To treat gastrointestinal disorders
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat asthma and hay fever
There are no studies to back this use.
- To treat thyroid problems
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To increase lactation
Scientific evidence is lacking for this claim.
- To promote menstruation
No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.
Patient Warnings
- Alfalfa sprouts have been linked to a number of food poisoning outbreaks in California and Europe.
- This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. The product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Do Not Take If
- You are pregnant or nursing (Because of its hormonal effects, alfalfa should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing.)
- You have lupus (Patients with systematic lupus erythematosus should avoid alfalfa tablets because they may lead to relapse.)
- You have gout (Due to the high content of purines, alfalfa should be avoided in patients with gout.)
- You have hormone-sensitive cancer such as breast, prostate, cervical, or uterine cancers (Estrogenic effects have been found in alfalfa.)
Side Effects
- Minor gastrointestinal distress (e.g. gas, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort).
- Following excessive use of alfalfa, a patient was reported to have pancytopenia (an abnormal deficiency in red and white blood cells).
Last updated: June 15, 2012
abdominal (ab-DAH-mih-nul)
Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)abnormal (ab-NOR-mul)
Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)acid (A-sid)
A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)amino acid (uh-MEE-noh A-sid)
One of several molecules that join together to form proteins. There are 20 common amino acids found in proteins.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)asthma (AZ-muh)
A chronic disease in which the bronchial airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. An attack may be brought on by pet hair, dust, smoke, pollen, mold, exercise, cold air, or stress.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)calcium (KAL-see-um)
A mineral needed for healthy teeth, bones, and other body tissues. It is the most common mineral in the body. A deposit of calcium in body tissues, such as breast tissue, may be a sign of disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cervical (SER-vih-kul)
Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph nodes are located in the neck. Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrow end (the “neck”) of the uterus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cholesterol (koh-LES-teh-rol)
A waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver, and found in the blood and in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is important for good health and is needed for making cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid. Cholesterol also comes from eating foods taken from animals such as egg yolks, meat, and whole-milk dairy products. Too much cholesterol in the blood may build up in blood vessel walls, block blood flow to tissues and organs, and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)colon (KOH-lun)
The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)defecation (DEH-feh-kay-shun)
Movement of feces (undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the lining of the intestines) through the bowel and out the anus. Also called bowel movement.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)deficiency (dih-FIH-shun-see)
In medicine, a shortage of a substance (such as a vitamin or mineral) needed by the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diabetes (dy-uh-BEE-teez)
Any of several diseases in which the kidneys make a large amount of urine. Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus in which there is also a high level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood because the body does not make enough insulin or use it the way it should.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diarrhea (dy-uh-REE-uh)
Frequent and watery bowel movements.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dietary supplement (DY-uh-TAYR-ee SUH-pleh-ment)
A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, and enzyme). Also called nutritional supplement.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)discharge (DIS-charj)
In medicine, a fluid that comes out of the body. Discharge can be normal or a sign of disease. Discharge also means release of a patient from care.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)distress (dih-STRESS)
Extreme mental or physical pain or suffering.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diuretic (DY-yoo-REH-tik)
A drug that increases the production of urine.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)estradiol (es-truh-DY-ol)
A form of the hormone estrogen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)estrogen (ES-truh-jin)
A type of hormone made by the body that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics and the growth of long bones. Estrogens can also be made in the laboratory. They may be used as a type of birth control and to treat symptoms of menopause, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)experimental (ek-SPAYR-ih-men-tul)
In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered experimental in other diseases or conditions. Also called investigational.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)FDA
An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The FDA also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called Food and Drug Administration.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fever (FEE-ver)
An increase in body temperature above normal (98.6 degrees F), usually caused by disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fiber (FY-ber)
In food, fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that cannot be digested. The fiber in food may help prevent cancer. In the body, fiber refers to tissue made of long threadlike cells, such as muscle fiber or nerve fiber.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)GI
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called gastrointestinal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)glucose (GLOO-kose)
A type of sugar; the chief source of energy for living organisms.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)gout (gowt)
A condition marked by increased levels of uric acid in the blood, joints, and tissue. The buildup of uric acid in the joints and tissues causes arthritis and inflammation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)herbal (ER-bul)
Having to do with plants.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hormone (HOR-mone)
One of many chemicals made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)in vitro (in VEE-troh)
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)ingestion (in-JES-chun)
Taking into the body by mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intestinal (in-TES-tih-nul)
Having to do with the intestines.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)iron (I-urn)
An important mineral the body needs to make hemoglobin, a substance in the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Iron is also an important part of many other proteins and enzymes needed by the body for normal growth and development. It is found in red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, and foods with iron added, such as cereal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)latent (LAY-tent)
Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lupus (LOO-pus)
A chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect the joints and many organs, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. It can cause many different symptoms; however, not everyone with lupus has all of the symptoms. Also called SLE and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)medication (MEH-dih-KAY-shun)
A legal drug that is used to prevent, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)menstruation (MEN-stroo-WAY-shun)
Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. From puberty until menopause, menstruation occurs about every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oxide (OK-side)
A type of chemical substance that is a combination of oxygen and another substance. Oxides are found in essential oils.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)phosphorus (FOS-for-us)
A nonmetallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nerves, bones, and teeth and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the primary energy source for the body's cells).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)phosphorylation (fos-FOR-ih-LAY-shun)
A process in which a phosphate group is added to a molecule, such as a sugar or a protein.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)potassium (puh-TA-see-um)
A metallic element that is important in body functions such as regulation of blood pressure and of water content in cells, transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, muscle contraction, and heartbeat.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pregnancy (PREG-nun-see)
The condition between conception (fertilization of an egg by a sperm) and birth, during which the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In humans, pregnancy lasts about 288 days.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)receptor (reh-SEP-ter)
A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)relapse (REE-laps)
The return of a disease or the signs and symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)remission (reh-MIH-shun)
A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)saponin (SA-poh-nin)
A substance found in soybeans and many other plants. Saponins may help lower cholesterol and may have anticancer effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)serum (SEER-um)
The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)
In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)supplementation (SUH-pleh-men-TAY-shun)
Adding nutrients to the diet.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)systemic (sis-TEH-mik)
Affecting the entire body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)systemic lupus erythematosus (sis-TEH-mik LOO-pus AYR-ih-THEE-muh-TOH-sus)
A chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect the joints and many organs, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. It can cause many different symptoms; however, not everyone with systemic lupus erythematosus has all of the symptoms. Also called lupus and SLE.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxic (TOK-sik)
Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)urea (yoo-REE-uh)
A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. Urea can also be made in the laboratory. A topical form of urea is being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or redness of the hands or feet that may occur as a side effect of certain anticancer drugs). Also called carbamide.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
