Alfalfa was originally used by the Arabs as a food due to its high protein content. Its Arabic name, al-fac-facah, means "father of all foods". Aswell as a food, it has long been used formedicinal purposes in both China and the West. Clarins Laboratories were particularly interested in its "retinol-like" activity which is perfectly tolerated by the skin. In this way, it encourages skin repair and contributes to firmer skin by stimulating collagen synthesis.