Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and neurodegeneration: mechanistic insights into oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal survival pathways.

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease are hallmarked by neuronal loss with the pathogenic impetus of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and perturbed cell survival signaling. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a flavonoid-, saponin-, and phytoestrogen-rich bioactive legume, has been under the spotlight due to its presumed neuroprotective activity. This review discusses the function of Alfalfa in sustaining oxidative stress control, neuroinflammation reduction, and regulation of crucial molecular processes of neuronal survival and apoptosis. We detail how Alfalfa antioxidants inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) and amplify endogenous processes for preventing oxidative damage. We also discuss anti-inflammatory actions of the plant by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways like NF-κB and MAPK. Furthermore, we present novel evidence for Alfalfa's role in neuronal survival pathways such as PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/ARE, and BDNF signaling. By combining data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, this review tries to outline the therapeutic potential of Alfalfa in neurodegeneration and provide a basis for future studies on its possible application as a neuroprotective agent.