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Purpose: To evaluate the effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Fabaceae) aqueous seed extract on milk production in rats and to assess its phytoconstituents. Method: Three groups of six lactating rats were used. Each lactating rat and her six pups were kept apart. From lactation day 3 to 17, each group received a daily single oral dose of distilled water, metoclopramide (5 mg/kg), or aqueous seed extract of fenugreek (200 mg/kg). Three groups of six virgin rats also received the same treatment for 14 days. An indirect technique of daily milk produced for weight gain of pups was used to assess milk production. Serum prolactin levels in virgin rats were determined on days 1, 7 and 14. Bioactive compounds of fenugreek seed extract were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Results: On day 14, fenugreek seed extract and metoclopramide significantly increased prolactin levels in virgin rats (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), but only metoclopramide significantly increased milk production and pup weight gain (p < 0.05). Chromatographic analysis revealed diverse phytoconstituents of flavonoids, carbohydrates and amino acids. Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract significantly influences serum prolactin levels in virgin rats but does not affect the milk production of lactating rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Many individuals who experience preterm birth struggle with early breast milk supply, which can translate into suboptimal longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Further investigations into the potential role of early non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in improving breast milk production soon after birth is growing. While natural galactagogues, such as brewer’s yeast, are widely perceived by women to be safer than pharmaceutical galactagogues and are taken by many women, evidence to support their efficacy is largely absent. The BLOOM study has been designed to determine the efficacy and safety of brewer’s yeast and beta-glucans, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when administered soon after birth for increasing early breast milk supply in mothers who have delivered preterm. Methods The BLOOM study is a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will assess if brewer’s yeast or beta-glucan can increase early breast milk production following preterm birth. Target population are mothers of preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks’ gestation who intend to provide breast milk for their infant, are less than 72 h following birth and able to give informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups at 1:1:1 ratio (n = 33 per group) to receive either brewer’s yeast, beta-glucan or placebo capsules for seven days. The primary outcome is total expressed breast milk volume over a 24-hour period on day 7 of intervention. Participants and their infants will be followed until the infant reaches term corrected age or is discharged home from the neonatal unit (whichever occurs first). Discussion The use of brewer’s yeast as a galactagogue to enhance milk production is extremely common amongst breastfeeding mothers, however, there are no trials evaluating its efficacy and safety. This will be the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two commonly used galactagogues, brewer’s yeast and beta-glucan, compared with placebo in improving maternal breast milk supply following preterm birth. The trial will also evaluate whether early intervention with galactagogues soon after a preterm birth improves longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000968774 (registered on 8 July 2022) and UTN U1111-1278-8827.

Background: Many individuals who experience preterm birth struggle with early breast milk supply, which can translate into suboptimal longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Further investigations into the potential role of early non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in improving breast milk production soon after birth is growing. While natural galactagogues, such as brewer's yeast, are widely perceived by women to be safer than pharmaceutical galactagogues and are taken by many women, evidence to support their efficacy is largely absent. The BLOOM study has been designed to determine the efficacy and safety of brewer's yeast and beta-glucans, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when administered soon after birth for increasing early breast milk supply in mothers who have delivered preterm. Methods: The BLOOM study is a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will assess if brewer's yeast or beta-glucan can increase early breast milk production following preterm birth. Target population are mothers of preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks' gestation who intend to provide breast milk for their infant, are less than 72 h following birth and able to give informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups at 1:1:1 ratio (n = 33 per group) to receive either brewer's yeast, beta-glucan or placebo capsules for seven days. The primary outcome is total expressed breast milk volume over a 24-hour period on day 7 of intervention. Participants and their infants will be followed until the infant reaches term corrected age or is discharged home from the neonatal unit (whichever occurs first). Discussion: The use of brewer's yeast as a galactagogue to enhance milk production is extremely common amongst breastfeeding mothers, however, there are no trials evaluating its efficacy and safety. This will be the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two commonly used galactagogues, brewer's yeast and beta-glucan, compared with placebo in improving maternal breast milk supply following preterm birth. The trial will also evaluate whether early intervention with galactagogues soon after a preterm birth improves longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000968774 (registered on 8 July 2022) and UTN U1111-1278-8827. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latar Belakang: Sebab utama terputusnya ASI eksklusif adalah produksi susu yang tidak lancar. Torbangun dan Katuk merupakan galactagogue yang dapat menstimulasi produksi ASI. Modifikasi pengolahan food bar menggunakan Torbangun dan Katuk merupakan bentuk fortifikasi pangan untuk meningkatkan produksi ASI Ibu menyusui. Tujuan: Mengidentifikasi total flavonoid dan aktivitas antioksidan tepung Torbangun, tepung Katuk dan produk food bar Torbangun Katuk serta menganalisis efektivitas food bar Torbangun Katuk terhadap produksi ASI. Metode: Pre-eksperimen menggunakan rancangan pre test and post test design untuk melihat produksi ASI sebelum dan sesudah mengonsumsi food bar. Bahan baku dan produk food bar dianalisis total flavonoid dengan aluminium klorida (AlCl3) dan aktivitas antioksidan dengan metode DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-pikrilhidrazil). Food bar adalah produk dengan penambahan tepung Torbangun 2,5% dan tepung Katuk 5%. Uji efektivitas dilakukan pada 10 Ibu menyusui. Efektivitas dilihat dari perubahan volume ASI sebelum dan setelah mengonsumsi food bar. Pengaruh food bar terhadap produksi ASI menggunakan uji T berpasangan. Hasil: Analisis kimia yang didapatkan total flavonoid tepung Torbangun dan Katuk adalah 4,06 mg/g dan 5,30 mg/g serta antioksidan tepung Torbangun dan Katuk 39,77 ppm dan 307,96 ppm. Sementara itu, total flavonoid dan aktivitas antioksidan produk food bar Torbangun Katuk berturut-turut 0,36±0,06 mg/g dan 116,01±36,83 ppm. Hasil efektivitas menunjukkan terdapat kenaikan 54,98% antara rata-rata volume ASI sebelum dan setelah konsumsi food bar. Pemberian food bar berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kenaikan produksi ASI (p

Domperidone is a commonly prescribed galactagogue used off-label for lactation insufficiency. Prescriber unfamiliarity or safety concerns can lead to therapeutic delay and potential early breastfeeding discontinuation. To facilitate access, the study site pharmacy department developed a structured administration and supply arrangement (SASA) for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants to screen and initiate domperidone using a checklist. The study aimed to validate a domperidone screening tool via an analysis of its use and compliance. Records were extracted from the RedCAP® database for the first 50 women with a documented domperidone supply and reviewed against medical records. A staff survey was distributed assessing compliance and attitudes towards the SASA. Records of supply from the RedCAP® database revealed 34% (17/50) of patients were referred to a physician, revealing a discrepancy between RedCAP® reporting and checklists as no referrals were documented. Overall staff satisfaction with the SASA was rated 4.6/5. In total, 77.7% (7/9) felt confident counselling and supplying domperidone with the SASA in place, and 88.9% (8/9) felt confident using the checklist to identify the appropriateness of therapy and referral to a physician. Only 55.6% (5/9) indicated the checklist was used with each screening. The SASA education package is being updated to clarify the requirements for checklist completion and standardise frameworks to document follow-up.

This study aims to evaluate acute toxicity of the herbal preparation on rats as an early step to evaluate its safety. This study used 25 females Rattus norvegicus strain Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks with a body weight of at least 120 g divided into 5 groups of doses of herbal preparation (0/aquadest, 50, 300, 2,000, 5,000) mg/kg BW. After administration of the herbal preparation, rats were observed using a camera continuously for 14 days and manual observation intensively for the first 24 hours and then once a day for up to 14 days. The toxic effects including death, behavioral changes, neural symptoms, and other abnormalitieswere recorded. The weight of the rats was monitored every three days. On the 15th day, the rats were sacrificed to collect vital organs for macroscopic and histopathological examinations. The LD50 was estimated based on OECD Guideline. No mortality and significant toxicity signs in any of the rats after receiving the herbal formula at highest dose of 5000 mg/kg was reported during the 14-day observation period. Bodyweight and organ weight did not show significant variation between controls and treatment groups. In addition, no abnormalities of liver, heart and lungs were also observed in macroscopic and histopathological examinations. In conclusion, the herbal preparation shows the LD50 of greater than 5,000 mg/kg can be classified as category 5 or unclassified. Further sub chronic toxicity study will be conducted to evaluate its safety after repeated exposure.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of Ayurved Siriraj Prasa-Nam-Nom (ASPNN) recipe on breast milk production in early postpartum women. Methods: Fifty-four normal vaginal term delivery mothers who had inadequate milk volume were enrolled into this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All participants received ASPNN or placebo 1,500 mg three times/day for 3 days in the hospital and 7 days at home. Primary outcomes, including breast milk volume, %creamatocrit, and level of prolactin, were evaluated on day 1 and day 3. Satisfaction scores, adverse effects, and types of breastfeeding were also determined. Results: On day 3, milk volume was increased in both groups. The median volume of ASPNN group was 19 ml, while that of the placebo group was 30 ml. The median %creamatocrit of ASPNN and placebo group were 7.17% and 6.98%, respectively. Mean serum prolactin levels of ASPNN and placebo group were 321.76 + 114.23 ng/ml and 323.78 + 116.68 ng/ml, respectively. Although the effects were not difference from the placebo, the reduction of prolactin in ASPNN was lower. Minor adverse effects included skin rash and mild diarrhea. Exclusive breastfeeding rate on day 11 in ASPNN and placebo group were 92.6 % and 88.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Short term ASPNN supplementation produce no direct effect on breast milk volume, creamatocrit, and serum prolactin. It was safe and might help maintaining serum prolactin. A future trial with more participants and longer period should be conducted to confirm the effect of ASPNN on breast milk quantity and quality.

This study aims to evaluate acute toxicity of the herbal preparation on rats as an early step to evaluate its safety. This study used 25 females Rattus norvegicus strain Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks with a body weight of at least 120 g divided into 5 groups of doses of herbal preparation (0/aquadest, 50, 300, 2,000, 5,000) mg/kg BW. After administration of the herbal preparation, rats were observed using a camera continuously for 14 days and manual observation intensively for the first 24 hours and then once a day for up to 14 days. The toxic effects including death, behavioral changes, neural symptoms, and other abnormalities were recorded. The weight of the rats was monitored every three days. On the 15th day, the rats were sacrificed to collect vital organs for macroscopic and histopathological examinations. The LD50 was estimated based on OECD Guideline. No mortality and significant toxicity signs in any of the rats after receiving the herbal formula at highest dose of 5000 mg/kg was reported during the 14-day observation period. Body weight and organ weight did not show significant variation between controls and treatment groups. In addition, no abnormalities of liver, heart and lungs were also observed in macroscopic and histopathological examinations. In conclusion, the herbal preparation shows the LD50 of greater than 5,000 mg/kg can be classified as category 5 or unclassified. Further sub chronic toxicity study will be conducted to evaluate its safety after repeated exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: As an age-old traditional practice, nursing mothers from southeastern Nigeria use the Elaeis guineensis sap (from the oil palm tree also referred to as palm wine) to induce and sustain lactation a few hours after delivery. This practice is still ongoing to date, despite the scarcity of clinical data supporting its efficacy and safety. This study aimed to generate preliminary data on the prevalence, perceptions, and behaviors related to the use of Elaeis guineensis sap as a galactagogue. STUDY DESIGN: Mothers who had breastfed or breastfeeding at the time of the survey, were invited to complete a questionnaire that asked about their, perceptions, efficacy, and possible side effects of Elaeis guineensis sap on both mother and child during breastfeeding. Chi-square analysis was used to conduct data analysis. RESULT: A total of 5002 mothers completed the survey with 61% reporting use of Elaeis guineensis sap (palm wine) following parturition. Most of the respondents (73%) attained tertiary education. The practice was mostly recommended by direct relatives (38%) while the commonest reason for this practice was perceived insufficient milk production (32.2%). The majority of the respondents (52%) were satisfied with the outcome while 44% reported no negative side effects. CONCLUSION: The use of Elaeis guineensis sap by mothers following parturition is common in southeastern Nigeria. However, randomized control studies are needed to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of this plant product. This will be relevant to the formation of intercultural health policies which will value and respect the positive cultural practices of a people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of Ayurved Siriraj Prasa-Nam-Nom (ASPNN) recipe on breast milk production in early postpartum women. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four normal vaginal term delivery mothers who had inadequate milk volume were enrolled into this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All participants received ASPNN or placebo 1,500 mg three times/day for 3 days in the hospital and 7 days at home. Primary outcomes, including breast milk volume, %creamatocrit, and level of prolactin, were evaluated on day 1 and day 3. Satisfaction scores, adverse effects, and types of breastfeeding were also determined. Results: On day 3, milk volume was increased in both groups. The median volume of ASPNN group was 19 ml, while that of the placebo group was 30 ml. The median %creamatocrit of ASPNN and placebo group were 7.17% and 6.98%, respectively. Mean serum prolactin levels of ASPNN and placebo group were 321.76 ± 114.23 ng/ml and 323.78 ± 116.68 ng/ml, respectively. Although the effects were not different from the placebo, the reduction of prolactin in ASPNN was lower. Minor adverse effects included skin rash and mild diarrhea. Exclusive breastfeeding rate on day 11 in ASPNN and placebo group were 92.6 % and 88.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Short term ASPNN supplementation produced no direct effect on breast milk volume, creamatocrit, and serum prolactin. It was safe and might help maintaining serum prolactin. A future trial with more participants and longer period should be conducted to confirm the effect of ASPNN on breast milk quantity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Angola has one of the highest annual under-five mortality rates in in the world and malnutrition poses a severe problem in the country. This study is the first to focus on the traditional knowledge of plants, foods, and treatments used by the local population in the province of Uíge to affect the quality and quantity of human breast milk, since decades of independence and civil war impeded ethnobotanical studies in this area. Methods This study was conducted in eight municipalities in the province of Uíge, Northern Angola in February and March 2018. In 265 semi-structured interviews, 360 informants in 40 rural villages were asked about plants, food, and treatments used to affect the quality and quantity of human breast milk. Additionally, information on child mortality and the duration of breastfeeding were collected. Whenever possible, plant specimens were collected for later identification. To determine the local importance of the collected plants, food, and treatments, the Relative Frequency of Citations was calculated. Results Most women reported to have no problems with their breast milk production. The duration of breastfeeding meets the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Across all use categories, 69 plants from 36 plant families, and 21 other foods and treatments could be identified. Conclusions The study shows an overview of a variety of plants, foods, and treatments used by mothers as galactagogues, to “clean” or to reduce their breast milk and those which they avoided to use during the lactation period. There is great potential for further research into this traditional knowledge. Also, further analysis of some of the plants could be of interest.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of adding Moringa leaves extracts on rabbit does’ milk production and histological changes of mammary glands during their lactation phase. Three different solvents, which are n-hexane, ethanol and mixed of n-hexane and ethanol (50: 50), were used to extract Moringa leaves powder (MLP). Moringa extract was given to the does’ feed by seven different treatments: 0% dosage (without extract), 0.13% dosage of HeEF, 0.26% dosage of HeEF, 0.37% dosage of EtEF, 0.74 % dosage of EtEF, 0.54% dosage of EtCE and 1.08 % dosage of EtCE. Each treatment was replicated at four does. The variables were dry matter consumption, average does’ daily milk production, bunnies' daily weight, and the does’ mammary gland histology. The milk production was measured twice per day in the morning (7 a.m.) and the evening (4 p.m.), obtained from the bunnies’ weight gap before and after suckling. The results showed that there was a significant difference (P < 5%) in treatments’ effect on dry matter consumption, daily milk production and bunnies’ average daily gain (ADG). From the results, treatments with the highest daily milk production were 0.54% EtCE (134.70 ± 5.77 g / day) and 0.26% EtEF (128.83 ± 10.11 g/day). The potential effect of Moringa leaves extract on the milk production was shown by an overview of mammary gland alveoli, which indicates the increasing number of the epithelial cells as well as the alveoli number and size.

Domperidone is a commonly prescribed galactagogue used off-label for lactation insufficiency. Prescriber unfamiliarity or safety concerns can lead to therapeutic delay and potential early breastfeeding discontinuation. To facilitate access, the study site pharmacy department developed a structured administration and supply arrangement (SASA) for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants to screen and initiate domperidone using a checklist. The study aimed to validate a domperidone screening tool via an analysis of its use and compliance. Records were extracted from the RedCAP® database for the first 50 women with a documented domperidone supply and reviewed against medical records. A staff survey was distributed assessing compliance and attitudes towards the SASA. Records of supply from the RedCAP® database revealed 34% (17/50) of patients were referred to a physician, revealing a discrepancy between RedCAP® reporting and checklists as no referrals were documented. Overall staff satisfaction with the SASA was rated 4.6/5. In total, 77.7% (7/9) felt confident counselling and supplying domperidone with the SASA in place, and 88.9% (8/9) felt confident using the checklist to identify the appropriateness of therapy and referral to a physician. Only 55.6% (5/9) indicated the checklist was used with each screening. The SASA education package is being updated to clarify the requirements for checklist completion and standardise frameworks to document follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Delayed or insufficient breast milk production, as well as low milk supply, is still a challenging problem to overcome, particularly in the case of preterm delivery. Herbal galactagogues might be a good way to increase milk supply, however, there is a lack of clinical studies confirming their efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to verify the safety and effectiveness as a galactagogue of the unique galactagogue composition based on barley malt with β -glucan and lemon balm. Material and methods: The study included 117 mothers of preterm infants randomly divided into the Galactagogue Group given galactagogue and the Placebo Group. A complete data set was obtained for 80 participants, divided equally between two groups. Volume of milk expressed by mothers during the first two weeks after delivery was the primary outcome and safety of the product was the secondary outcome. Results: Volume of milk recorded on participants' last visit in the Galactagogue Group was significantly higher than in the Placebo Group (95 mL vs 62.5 mL, p = 0.049). The total expressed milk volume during the study was 4209 ± 335 mL in the Placebo Group vs 6036 ± 498 mL (p = 0.003) in the Galactagogue Group. Conclusions: Supplementation with unique Galactagogue composition was safe and increased milk output which allowed achieving target minimal volume of 500 mL per day in first week of lactation in preterm mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a medicinal plant with potential applications in the medicinal purposes. Fenugreek has been used in food as a flavouring agent since ancient times in many countries like Greece, Rome and Egypt. It has a special place in the traditional medical system. The aim of this study was to review phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum.Methods: This research was a review study. Data were collected using articles in various databases and books about pharmacological effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum.Results: The seeds are rich sources of lipids, protein, mucilage, calcium, dietary fiber B vitamins, Iron, protease inhibitors and several steroid saponins, tiny amounts of alkaloid, furostanol glycosides and steroidal peptide. As a medicinal plant, fenugreek recognized as a galactagogue or lactation stimulant in women after child birth as well as for its ability to treat wounds and sore muscles. In addition, it has the ability to be as antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anthelmintic (antagonistic effect against parasitic worms), and antinociceptive (pain-reducing) properties. In recent years, laboratory studies and clinical trials have focused on the potential activity of fenugreek as a natural medicine.Conclusion:These studies have shown that fenugreek plants possess immunomodulatory, hypocholesterolaemic, hypoglycaemic, gastro- and hepatoprotective and antioxidative properties. Pharmacological properties of fenugreek have been explored to identify a role for the plant in diabetes management and in cardiovascular health, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds in fenugreek, which may be responsible for its health benefits.

Alessandra N Bazzano,1 Lauren Cenac,1 Amelia J Brandt,1 Josephine Barnett,2 Shelley Thibeau,3 Katherine P Theall1 1Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 2City University of New York, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY, 3Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA Abstract: An increase in the marketing and use of herbal galactagogues among breastfeeding mothers in the US has raised the issue of how best to provide support and information on the use of these products, particularly in light of limited availability of certified lactation counselors and continued suboptimal rates of breastfeeding globally. Currently, no cross-sectional data are available on the experiences and attitudes of mothers regarding the use of herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues for lactation in the US. The findings of an online survey of 188 breastfeeding mothers on experiences with and sources of information on galactagogues are presented. Most mothers (76%) reported that while breastfeeding, they felt as though they were not making enough milk to meet the needs of their child, and yet 54% also indicated that they had not supplemented with formula. A large proportion of respondents reported utilizing galactagogues to increase lactation and finding them useful. The results indicated that most women learned about galactagogues from the Internet or by word of mouth through friends. Lactation consultants were the third-most reported sources of information on these products. While many respondents reported perceiving galactagogues as innocuous, more evidence on safety and efficacy is needed to support women properly who seek out and use them. Large-scale studies of the prevalence of galactagogue use in the US and rigorous evaluation of use globally are needed to ensure that mothers who choose to breastfeed may safely avail themselves of all options when counseling support is insufficient. Keywords: galactagogue, breastfeeding, lactation, lactation support

Alessandra N Bazzano,1 Lisa Littrell,1 Amelia Brandt,1 Shelley Thibeau,2 Kamala Thriemer,3 Katherine P Theall1 1Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 2Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA; 3MLT EpiConsult, Jingili, NT, Australia Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months is widely recommended, yet breastfeeding rates are relatively low in the US. The most common reason women stop breastfeeding early is a perceived insufficiency of milk. Galactagogues are herbal and pharmaceutical products that can help increase milk supply; however, data on their efficacy and safety is limited. Lactation consultants, obstetricians, and other health providers are an important point of contact for breastfeeding women experiencing challenges with lactation. This study explored providers’ perceptions, experiences, and practices in relation to galactagogue recommendation. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of English-speaking health providers in the US who counsel breastfeeding women and their infants. Results: More than 70% of respondents reported to recommend galactagogues. The most frequently recommended galactagogue was fenugreek with respondents indicating that they recommend it either ‘always’ (8.5%) or ‘most of the time’ (14.9%) and ‘sometimes’ (46.8%). More than 80% of the respondents indicated that galactagogues were useful for their clients and only one-third reported side effects. Reasons for refraining from recommending galactagogues were insufficient evidence of its efficacy and safety. Respondents reported a wide variety of sources of information used for their own education about galactagogues. Discussion: Despite little evidence regarding safety and efficacy, some galactagogues are widely recommended and often perceived to be useful. However, concerns about their efficacy and safety remain. In order to assure both providers and users about safety and efficacy, more robust studies as well as better pharmacovigilance systems are needed. Keywords: lactation, human milk, nutrition, clinical decision making, lactogenesis

The present experiment was aimed to evaluate the effect of fenugreek seed (FS) supplementation on lactation performance of buffaloes. Eighteen lactating Surti buffaloes were divided into 3 homogenous groups and offered with basal diet along with supplementation of overnight soaked fenugreek seed @ 0 (CON), 1.5 (FEN-1.5) and 3.0% (FEN–3.0) of total diet for 10 weeks. The daily milk yield from animals was recorded. At the end of experiment, milk samples were subjected for their constituent analysis followed by sensory evaluation. Cost of milk production was also worked out. Supplementation of FS resulted into an improvement in milk production, which was more evident at lower dose (FEN-1.5). The constituent composition of milk did not exhibit any alterations among different dietary groups. However, sensory attributes like flavour and palatability of milk showed an encouraging trend in supplemented groups. Cost of milk production was comparable across the groups. The present finding concluded that supplementation of fenugreek seeds (1.5%) in the ration of Surti buffaloes improved the milk yield with favourable impact on its sensory qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn. (Apocynaceae), is a traditional medicinal plant species widely used to treat various ailments such as tuberculosis, hematopoiesis, emaciation, cough, dyspnea, fever, burning sensation, night blindness, cancer, and dysentery. In Ayurveda, it is known for its revitalizing, rejuvenating, and lactogenic properties. This plant is one of the major ingredients in many commercial herbal formulations, including Speman, Envirocare, Calshakti, Antisept, and Chyawanprash. The therapeutic potential of this herb is because of the presence of diverse bioactive compounds such as α-amyrin, β-amyrin, ferulic acid, luteolin, diosmetin, rutin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, hentricontanol, a triterpene alcohol simiarenol, apigenin, reticulin, deniculatin, and leptaculatin. However, most biological studies on L. reticulata are restricted to crude extracts, and many biologically active compounds are yet to be identified in order to base the traditional uses of L. reticulata on evidence-based data. At present, L. reticulata is a threatened endangered plant because of overexploitation, unscientific harvesting, and habitat loss. The increased demand from pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and veterinary industries has prompted its large-scale propagation. However, its commercial cultivation is hampered because of the non-availability of genuine planting material and the lack of knowledge about its agronomical practices. In this regard, micropropagation techniques will be useful to obtain true-to-type L. reticulata planting materials from an elite germplasm to meet the current demand. Adopting other biotechnological approaches such as synthetic seed technology, cryopreservation, cell culture, and genetic transformation can help conservation as well as increased metabolite production from L. reticulata. The present review summarizes scientific information on the botanical, agronomical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and biotechnological aspects of L. reticulata. This comprehensive information will certainly allow better utilization of this industrially important herb towards the discovery of lead drug molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant Guiera senegalensis is commonly used in improving lactation in the North Western part of Nigeria. Aqueous extract of the plant Guiera senegalensis known as 'Sabara' in Hausa language, was investigated for possible milk production effect in Wistar rats. Six groups of five lactating rats each were dosed. Group A was used as the negative control and Group F which received 0.1 IU of oxytocin was used as positive control. The other four groups (B, C, D, and E) received 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, and 400mg of the extract respectively. Group C showed the highest response with statistical significance at P<0.05 when compared to groups A, D, E, and the positive control (group F). Isolated tissue experiment using the Ugo Basile micro dynamometer showed that the extract was able to stimulate uterine contractions at a dose of 0.3 mg/ml, but no contractions were recorded at 0.6 mg/ml. There were no contractions seen when the extract was tested on intestinal tissue. Acetyl choline was used as a positive control in both the uterine and intestinal tissue. The effect of acetyl choline was compared to the effect of the extract on both tissues. The experiment showed that higher concentrations of the plant extract were not capable of inducing smooth muscle contractions. The lack of smooth muscle contractions at higher doses was similar to what was observed in the milk production activity that was related to pup weight gain. Thus, milk production did not increase significantly with higher doses. In conclusion, the water extract of Guiera senegalensis has a positive galactagogue effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal galactagogues have been widely used as a treatment for postpartum hypogalactia due to the potential side effects associated with pharmacological therapy. Tri-Than-Thip (Tri-TT) is a Thai herbal medicine remedy that contains three main components: Cassia fistula, Pithecellobium dulce, and Ficus benjamina . These components are believed to have properties that contribute to milk production. However, despite the traditional use of Tri-TT, there is a lack of academic evidence supporting its efficacy in enhancing milk production. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Tri-TT on milk production and determine if it has a galactagogue effect. The weight suckle weight model was used to determine total milk production in lactating rats, while histological analysis was performed to assess the alveolar diameter of the mammary gland. The findings of this study revealed a significant increase in total milk production among lactating rats treated with 500 mg/kg of Tri-TT, compared to the control group. Furthermore, both the Tri-TT and Domperidone-treated groups exhibited a larger alveolar diameter of the mammary gland in comparison to the control group. In summary, these findings provide supportive evidence for the galactagogue activity of Tri-TT. The observed enhancement in milk production may be associated with Tri-TT could potentially be attributed to its ability to widen the alveolar diameter of the mammary gland, thereby facilitating increased milk volume., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn. (Apocynaceae), is a traditional medicinal plant species widely used to treat various ailments such as tuberculosis, hematopoiesis, emaciation, cough, dyspnea, fever, burning sensation, night blindness, cancer, and dysentery. In Ayurveda, it is known for its revitalizing, rejuvenating, and lactogenic properties. This plant is one of the major ingredients in many commercial herbal formulations, including Speman, Envirocare, Calshakti, Antisept, and Chyawanprash. The therapeutic potential of this herb is because of the presence of diverse bioactive compounds such as α-amyrin, β-amyrin, ferulic acid, luteolin, diosmetin, rutin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, hentricontanol, a triterpene alcohol simiarenol, apigenin, reticulin, deniculatin, and leptaculatin. However, most biological studies on L. reticulata are restricted to crude extracts, and many biologically active compounds are yet to be identified in order to base the traditional uses of L. reticulata on evidence-based data. At present, L. reticulata is a threatened endangered plant because of overexploitation, unscientific harvesting, and habitat loss. The increased demand from pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and veterinary industries has prompted its large-scale propagation. However, its commercial cultivation is hampered because of the non-availability of genuine planting material and the lack of knowledge about its agronomical practices. In this regard, micropropagation techniques will be useful to obtain true-to-type L. reticulata planting materials from an elite germplasm to meet the current demand. Adopting other biotechnological approaches such as synthetic seed technology, cryopreservation, cell culture, and genetic transformation can help conservation as well as increased metabolite production from L. reticulata. The present review summarizes scientific information on the botanical, agronomical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and biotechnological aspects of L. reticulata. This comprehensive information will certainly allow better utilization of this industrially important herb towards the discovery of lead drug molecules.

Pimpinella anisum L. (P. anisum) is used as a galactagogue in traditional medicine; hence, the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. anisum seeds on milk production in rats was evaluated. The milk production was assessed by measuring the pups' weights during the suckling period. The intraperitoneal LD50 values of P. anisum aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 4.93 and 3.77 g/kg, respectively. The aqueous (1 g/kg) and ethanolic extracts (1 g/kg) increased the milk production significantly (p < 0.001), with about 68.1% and 81% more milk being produced, respectively, than in the control group. The pups gained weight during the study period with the aqueous (0.5 and 1 g/kg, p < 0.05) and ethanolic (0.5 and 1 g/kg, p < 0.01) extracts. Thus, P. anisum aqueous and ethanolic extracts can increase milk production in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]