Chapter 11 - Forage legumes for human, animals, and environment

Abstract

Small-seeded leguminous plants are a very abundant group of which only some are used in various ways. Particular attention has been paid to the use of small-seeded leguminous for the protection of marginal lands and soils. This chapter describes the importance of this species for consumption, forage, and medical purposes. The biological value of active substances found in small-seeded legumes is not fully understood. A number of species such as lucerne (Medicago sativa L), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis L.), goat’s-rue (Galega officinalis L.), and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) provide the important raw material for the pharmaceutical industry. Small-seeded legumes can also be an important nutritional product and are used to overcome chronic malnutrition in countries with high food deficits. Lucerne leaf protein (Extract Fleur Lucerne) has a high content of not only lysine but also tryptophan and threonine, making lucerne a valuable additional ingredient as a food supplement in animal diets based mainly on cereals protein. Lucerne can be a dietary supplement of choice to tackle malnutrition and the lack of balanced diets for almost two billion people in the world.