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Abstract
To the Editor: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be induced in apparently normal monkeys that are fed alfalfa seeds or sprouts.1 A nonprotein amino acid, L-canavanine, has been proposed as the ingredient responsible for the induction of SLE and has been shown to reactivate the disease in susceptible animals.1, 2 Evidence for a similar role of alfalfa in inducing or reactivating human SLE is less clear.2 We wish to report on two patients with clinically and serologically quiescent SLE who had reactivation of their systemic diseases in association with the ingestion of alfalfa tablets (Shaklee, San Francisco). According to her history and medical records, her disease had been clinically inactive, and she had been serologically normal for a minimum of four years while being maintained on 15 mg of prednisone every other day.