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An Unidentified Factor in Alfalfa Which Counteracts Mineral Oil Toxicity in the Rat and Mouse¹

Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Nutrilite Products, Inc., Buena Park, California

Immature rats and mice were fed purified low-fat rations to which were added mineral oil at levels of 7.5 and 10% of the diet. The growth retardation and other toxic manifestations of mineral oil administration under these conditions were largely counteracted by the concurrent administration of either cottonseed or corn oil or defatted alfalfa meal. The protective factor (or factors) in alfalfa was retained in the residue fraction (the water-washed pulp remaining after extraction of the juice). Dried alfalfa juice, the water-soluble extract of alfalfa, alfalfa ash or alfalfa lipids had little if any activity. The protective factor in defatted alfalfa was distinct from any of the known nutrients.

Manuscript received 5 April 1958.