How does Onobrychis viciifolia work for wound healing?

Onobrychis viciifolia contains tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that contribute to its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Tannins provide astringent effects that help contract tissues and reduce wound exudate, while flavonoids offer antioxidant activity that may support cellular repair. Saponins present in the herb may also contribute to therapeutic effects. These compounds work synergistically to promote healing, though specific clinical mechanisms remain understudied (Evidence Level C, Traditional use).

Does sainfoin interact with any medications?

There are no documented drug interactions for Onobrychis viciifolia in the scientific literature. However, the herb contains significant tannin content, which may theoretically reduce absorption of certain medications if taken simultaneously. As a precaution, patients taking prescription medications should separate dosing times by at least two hours. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining herbal remedies with prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Onobrychis viciifolia tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Onobrychis viciifolia is 5-10 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea infusion. To prepare, steep the dried herb in hot water for 10-15 minutes before straining. This dosage is based on traditional use rather than clinical trials (Evidence Level C). Individual needs may vary, and users should follow guidance from a qualified medical herbalist or healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Onobrychis viciifolia safe to use during pregnancy?

Onobrychis viciifolia is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided by pregnant women. The herb contains bioactive compounds including saponins and tannins that have not been adequately studied for safety during gestation. Due to insufficient safety data and the potential for adverse effects, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use this herb. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy during pregnancy or while nursing.

What is Onobrychis viciifolia used for in herbal medicine?

Onobrychis viciifolia, commonly known as sainfoin, has been used in European folk medicine primarily for wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Traditionally, the herb was applied externally to support wound recovery and reduce inflammation. It has also been used as a nutritive food source due to its protein content and nutritional value. Current evidence supporting these uses is limited (Evidence Level C), based primarily on traditional applications rather than clinical trials.

Onobrychis viciifolia (Onobrychis viciifolia)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Onobrychis viciifolia, commonly known as sainfoin, is a perennial forage legume rich in tannins and proanthocyanidins used primarily in animal husbandry [PMID:30941267, PMID:27576309].

Background

Sainfoin is a highly nutritious, tannin-containing, tetraploid perennial forage legume distributed in regions including Northern China and northwestern Europe [PMID:30941267, PMID:33628902, PMID:26898288]. It is utilized as a forage crop for ruminants and is attracting attention as a potential perennial pulse for human consumption [PMID:39055202, PMID:37255566].

Traditional uses

Sainfoin species have been employed for centuries as an essential forage for ruminant animals, used both for grazing and as hay [PMID:39055202].

Active compounds

The plant contains condensed tannins (CT), proanthocyanidins (PAs), and various flavonoids, including flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and isoflavones [PMID:30941267, PMID:35812930, PMID:32750640]. Specific identified compounds include acylated flavonol glycosides (derivatives of kaempferol and quercetin), as well as phenolics such as trans-cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid [PMID:21292287, PMID:19098216]. It also contains a glycoprotein lectin [PMID:6722125].

Mechanism of action

Condensed tannins in sainfoin are associated with anthelmintic properties against gastrointestinal nematodes [PMID:18375660, PMID:27523948]. In horses, a sainfoin-rich diet has been observed to lower the larval development rate of cyathostomin [PMID:35929352]. In lambs, it may enhance immune cell development, increasing concentrations of tissue eosinophils, mast cells, and pan T cells during nematode infection [PMID:18561870].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BGastrointestinal Nematodes (Lambs)

Sainfoin pellets reduced fecal egg counts (EPG) by 33.6% to 36.7% and lowered abomasal worm burdens [PMID:35335625].

Evidence BOvine Coccidia (Lambs)

Sainfoin hay feeding resulted in a reduction of mean oocyst excretion rates between 21.3% and 61.7% [PMID:22482929].

Evidence BEquine Cyathostomin (Horses)

A diet of 70% dehydrated sainfoin pellets significantly lowered the larval development rate compared to alfalfa pellets [PMID:35929352].

Evidence BDairy Cow Nutrition

Replacing grass silage with sainfoin silage in rations affects nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and reduces ruminal biohydrogenation [PMID:26898288, PMID:33005767].

Evidence DEscherichia coli (Cattle)

In vitro, purified phenolics from sainfoin (coumaric and cinnamic acids) reduced the viability of pathogenic E. coli strains [PMID:19098216].

Drug interactions

Sainfoin pellets were studied in combination with oral ivermectin in lambs to examine interactions between condensed tannins and the drug [PMID:27523948].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on veterinary clinical trials (Level B) and in vitro studies (Level D) focusing on animal nutrition and parasite control; there is no human clinical data provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 39269484 (2024) — Novel centromeric repetitive DNA elements reveal karyotype dynamics in polyploid sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia). · Chromosoma
2.PMID: 36005754 (2022) — Two New Rhizobiales Species Isolated from Root Nodules of Common Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) Show Different Plant Colonization Strategies. · Microbiology spectrum
3.PMID: 33628902 (2021) — The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
4.PMID: 39055202 (2024) — Effect of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) seed-based diet on rats: A comprehensive evaluation of hemogram, biochemistry, and histopathology. · Food science & nutrition
5.PMID: 30941267 (2019)

Onobrychis viciifolia

Sources & Citations