Medicago lupulina, commonly known as black medick, nonesuch, or hop clover, is a plant that grows worldwide in dry, disturbed soil. It is closely related to alfalfa. It is also called black nonesuch, black medic clover, hop clover, hop medic, nonesuch, black clover, black hay, blackweed, English trefoil, yellow trefoil, and hop trefoil. It is a common potherb and offers minerals particularly calcium, Phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. It is very high in protein.
It has been used in traditional medicine as a mild laxative and the Lakota people used it to soothe nervousness. Studies have shown that its secondary metabolites are saponins, and phenolics. There is research that suggests natural phenolics are helpful in preventing or reversing diabetic complications. This is accomplished by prevention of oxidative stress.
Triterpene saponins are reported to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-Alzheimer, and immunomodulatory effects.
I’m going to point out, however, that studies are limited, and more research is needed. Also, if you do your own research, be careful not to confuse it with Medicago sativa, which is alfalfa. There are far more studies on alfalfa and the ones on Medicago lupulina tend to get buried among them.
There are studies which have shown Medicago lupulina to be effective against Aspergillus flavus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Candida glaberata, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, and Vortexing Aspergillus flavus.
I sell it in tincture form here Black Medick
Caution should be used if one is taking blood thinners. Additionally, heavy metals can accumulate in the roots of the plant, leading it to be considered for phytoremediation of contaminated soil. So be very careful where you harvest!