Effects Of Aqueous Extract Of Momordica Balsamina L. On Milk Yield, Lactogenic Hormones And Biomarkers Of Oxidative Stress In Lactating Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Momordica balsamina L. is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to stimulate milk production. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Momordica balsamina L. on milk yield, serum lactogenic hormones and biomarkers of oxidative stress in lactating. Material and methods: Twenty five female lactating Wistar rats (n = 25) with 4 pups each were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each and treated as follows: Group I: 1ml/kg distilled water; group II: 5 mg/kg metoclopramide; group III: 200 mg/kg; group IV: 400 mg/kg and group V: 800 mg/kg of Momordica balsamina L., respectively. Administration was done orally once daily at 18:00 hr for a period of 10 days, during which the milk yield was calculated daily at 18 hr after gavage. At the end of the experiment, the Wistar rats were sacrificed and blood samples and mammary tissue were harvested for analysis of prolactin, growth hormone and biomarkers of oxidative stress and histological studies. Results: There was a significantly lower serum prolactin level (p< 0.05) in the 800 mg/kg treated group when compared to the control. Serum growth hormone level was significantly higher in all the treated as compared with the control group (p< 0.05). Momordica balsamina L. stimulated a significant increase (p< 0.05) in milk yield at 400 mg/kg when compared to the control group. It also caused a significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum activity of superoxide dismutase in the 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups compared to the control group. While, serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly lower (p< 0.05) in the 800 mg/kg treated groups, when compared to the control group. Significantly higher (p< 0.05) serum Melondialdehyde levels were observed in the treated compared to the control. The mammary glands of rats treated with the extract showed lobuloalveolar development at 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: The study highlighted that Momordica balsamina L. stimulates mean milk yield, increase serum growth hormone and enhance lobuloaveolar development.