Cvi. Antiscorbutic Value of Lucerne

DURING the course of an investigation into the distribution of the antiscorbutic factor in some South African foodstuffs specimens of the common lucerne, or alfalfa (Medicago sativa) were examined, and it was found that, as judged by the indophenol reaction, this plant was an outstandingly rich source of vitamin C. According to the report on the vitamins issued by the Medical Research Council [1932] lucerne is regarded as rich in vitamins A and B and exceptionally rich in E. More recent work, such as that described by Scheunert and Schieblich [1934] and by Hauge [1934], confirms the high values for vitamin A, though the former authors state that vitamins B and D are present only in low concentration. We have been unable, however, to find any reference dealing with the antiscorbutic value of this plant. Lucerne is also of value since it contains no less than 1-2 % of mineral salts, of which nearly 0 5 % is calcium; in addition about 8 mg. of iron are present per g., or nearly double that found in spinach. It will be agreed, therefore, that lucerne is an interesting plant from the nutritional point of view; moreover, it is growing in favour as a forage crop and is becoming fairly readily available in many parts of the world [see monograph by Klinkowski, 1933]. In view of the foregoing it seemed desirable to investigate its antiscorbutic activity more closely. Although it is well known that lucerne is occasionally the cause of death in animals, Steyn [1933], after careful examination of the available evidence is of the opinion that there is no experimental evidence to show that this is due to the presence of any poisonous substance in the plant. In all probability death is due to the effects of excessive fermentation, which, it appears, it likely to take place when large amounts are consumed, especially if the plant is in a young, frosted or wilted condition. We learn from several sources that green lucerne is actually used to some small extent as a human food in parts of Russia, China and America, whilst here in South Africa it is occasionally used as a substitute for spinach. On account of its high mineral and vitamin A contents lucerne meal has been recently incorporated into the special "cereal mixture" devised by Brown and Tisdall [1933] and used by them with conspicuous success in the feeding of small children.