# Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cow-vetch
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Vicia cracca, Bird Vetch, Tufted Vetch, Blue Vetch, Boreal Vetch, Cracca Vetch, Canada Pea, Wild Vetch

## Overview

Cow vetch (Vicia cracca) is a leguminous plant containing flavonoids, tannins, and cyanogenic glycosides that are thought to contribute to its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activities. Research remains largely preclinical and genus-level, with no confirmed human clinical trials specifically validating its therapeutic use.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties noted in Vicia genus studies, though specific to Vicia cracca are not confirmed due to lack of human trials.
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects suggested in genus-level reviews, but human-specific data for V. cracca is absent.
• Potential antidiabetic activities inferred from the Vicia genus but unsupported by direct human studies for V. cracca.
• Traditional use as a galactogogue suggests benefits in lactation, though not clinically validated.
• Used for wound care as an antiseptic poultice in traditional medicine, lacking modern clinical confirmation.

## Mechanism of Action

Flavonoids isolated from Vicia species, including kaempferol and quercetin derivatives, are believed to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) synthesis. Tannins and polyphenols in V. cracca may also suppress NF-κB signaling pathways, dampening cytokine release. Additionally, cyanogenic glycosides and lectins present in the plant may interact with [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) enzymes, potentially inhibiting alpha-glucosidase activity and contributing to observed antidiabetic effects at the genus level.

## Clinical Summary

No published randomized controlled trials or formal human clinical studies specifically investigate Vicia cracca as a therapeutic intervention. Evidence is extrapolated from in vitro studies and animal models examining the broader Vicia genus, where ethanolic extracts have demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and improvements in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Rodent models using Vicia species extracts at doses of 200–400 mg/kg body weight have shown modest [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management)-lowering effects, but these findings have not been replicated in humans. The overall evidence base is preliminary and insufficient to support clinical recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca) seeds contain approximately 24–30% crude protein by dry weight, with a notable amino acid profile including lysine (~1.5–2.0 g/100g), arginine, and leucine, though methionine and cysteine are limiting amino acids common to legumes. Carbohydrate content is approximately 50–55% dry weight, with dietary fiber estimated at 8–12% including both soluble and insoluble fractions. Crude fat is low at approximately 1.5–3.0% dry weight, primarily composed of linoleic acid (omega-6) and small amounts of linolenic acid (omega-3). Starch content is significant at roughly 35–40% dry weight. Key minerals identified include calcium (~1.2–1.8 mg/g dry weight), phosphorus (~3.5–4.5 mg/g), iron (~0.08–0.12 mg/g), magnesium (~1.5–2.0 mg/g), and potassium (~8–12 mg/g). Vitamin content is typical of the Vicia genus, with B-vitamins including thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) present in modest amounts (~0.3–0.5 mg/100g range), along with folate. Bioactive compounds include cyanogenic glycosides (vicine and convicine, ~0.5–2.0 mg/g in seeds), which reduce bioavailability and pose toxicity concerns without proper preparation; tannins (~2–5 g/100g in seed coats) that act as antinutritional factors reducing protein digestibility by 10–20%; flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin glycosides identified in aerial parts at genus level; and lectins present in raw seeds that are denatured by cooking. Chlorogenic acids and other phenolic compounds have been detected in leaf and stem material. Bioavailability is significantly compromised by antinutritional factors; soaking and boiling are essential to reduce vicine, convicine, tannins, and lectins before any consumption. Leaves and young shoots used in traditional contexts contain lower concentrations of these antinutrients compared to mature seeds. Specific quantitative data for micronutrients in V. cracca leaves versus seeds remains limited in published literature.

## Dosage & Preparation

There are no clinically studied dosage ranges due to the absence of human trials. Traditional uses involve unspecified amounts of cooked seeds or leaves. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cow vetch contains cyanogenic glycosides and lectins that may be toxic if consumed in large quantities, particularly from raw plant material, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or neurotoxicity. Individuals taking antidiabetic medications such as metformin or insulin should exercise caution due to potential additive hypoglycemic effects suggested by genus-level preclinical data. Vicia cracca is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the presence of potentially teratogenic alkaloids and the complete absence of human safety data. Individuals with legume allergies, particularly to vetch or bean-family plants, should avoid this herb due to cross-reactivity risk.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specific to Vicia cracca exist. Reviews of the Vicia genus suggest potential benefits, but these lack human trial data and PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cow Vetch has been used in European and Native American traditional medicine primarily for food and wound care. It was introduced in North America around 1860 and used by various Native American tribes for diverse ailments.

## Synergistic Combinations

Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Dandelion

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the active compounds in cow vetch (Vicia cracca)?

Cow vetch contains flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin glycosides, condensed tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, and lectins. These compounds are responsible for the plant's reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties observed in preclinical studies. The cyanogenic glycosides, however, also represent a potential toxicity concern if the plant is consumed raw or in excessive amounts.

### Is cow vetch safe to consume as a supplement?

Cow vetch is not considered a well-established safe supplement due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides and lectins, which can be toxic in concentrated doses. No formal human safety trials exist for Vicia cracca specifically, making it impossible to define a safe therapeutic dosage. It should be avoided by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with legume allergies.

### Does cow vetch lower blood sugar?

Preclinical evidence from animal models studying the broader Vicia genus suggests possible alpha-glucosidase inhibition and modest blood glucose reduction at extract doses of 200–400 mg/kg body weight in rodents. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed antidiabetic effects specifically for Vicia cracca. Anyone managing diabetes should not substitute this plant for proven medications without physician guidance.

### How is cow vetch used in European traditional medicine?

In European folk medicine traditions, cow vetch has historically been used as a wound-healing herb, an anti-inflammatory poultice, and occasionally as a mild diuretic. Aerial parts of the plant were typically prepared as decoctions or topical compresses rather than oral supplements. These uses predate modern clinical validation and are not supported by controlled human evidence.

### Can cow vetch interact with medications?

Cow vetch may produce additive hypoglycemic effects when combined with antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, glipizide, or insulin, based on genus-level preclinical data suggesting alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Its flavonoid content could theoretically interfere with cytochrome P450 enzyme metabolism, potentially affecting drug clearance for medications like warfarin or statins. No human drug interaction studies exist for V. cracca, so medical supervision is strongly advised before use.

### What is the evidence quality for cow vetch (Vicia cracca) health benefits?

Most research on cow vetch benefits comes from genus-level studies on Vicia species rather than human clinical trials specific to V. cracca. While traditional use suggests antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, these effects have not been confirmed through rigorous human studies dedicated to this plant. The lack of human-specific research means evidence strength is considered preliminary or observational rather than conclusive.

### Who should avoid cow vetch supplementation?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid cow vetch due to its traditional use as a galactagogue (milk-promoting agent) and the lack of safety data in these populations. Individuals with legume allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution, as cow vetch is a member of the Fabaceae family. Those taking blood sugar-lowering medications should consult a healthcare provider before use given potential antidiabetic activity, even though human evidence remains limited.

### What is the difference between cow vetch and other Vicia species used in supplements?

Cow vetch (Vicia cracca) is one of several Vicia species traditionally used, but most supplement research aggregates data across the genus rather than isolating V. cracca specifically. While related species like Vicia faba and Vicia villosa appear in some traditional medicine systems, cow vetch is particularly noted in European herbalism for its galactagogue properties. Direct head-to-head comparisons of Vicia species effectiveness are not available in clinical literature.

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