Abstract
ABSTRACTInadequacy of milk supply to meet the increasing human population coupled with a decreasing livestock population has necessitated the need for a potent galactogoue. The aim of this study was to compare the lactogenic effects of Launaea taraxacifolia (PLT) and resveratrol in Wistar rats. After parturition, 25 primiparous female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups of 5 dams each. Dams in groups I, II, III, IV and V were administered distilled water (DW: 2 ml/kg), metochlopromide (MET: 15 mg/kg), resveratrol (RES: 5 mg/kg), n-hexane leaf fraction of L. taraxacifolia (PLT: 333 mg/kg) and the combination of RES + PLT (CO: 5 mg + 333 mg/kg); respectively, for 12 days. Pup weight gain was used to quantify milk yield. Serum was harvested from the dams and assayed for prolactin and oxytocin. The PLT and CO groups had significantly higher (p < 0.05) milk yield than DW group. Serum concentration of prolactin was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the PLT group, while the combination group had the highest (p < 0.05) concentration of oxytocin compared to DW group. In conclusion, L. taraxacifolia and resveratrol exhibited galactopoietic potentials individually by stimulating hyperprolactinaemia, while their combination increased milk production by increasing serum oxytocin activity.
Highlights
Gross deficiency of protein intake both in quantity and quality is a potent food security problem, in developing countries
Some studies have reported the ability of some medicinal plants to increase milk production by stimulating prolactin release [11,12,13,14]; we have reported for the first time, the comparative effects of a medicinal plant and resveratrol on milk production, serum prolactin and oxytocin concentrations
Relatively low milk yield coupled with an increase in per capital income and population has resulted in milk supply shortage [15]
Summary
Gross deficiency of protein intake both in quantity and quality is a potent food security problem, in developing countries. The insufficiency of cow's milk supply to increasing human population in developing countries has resulted in a high number of non-dairy milk substitutes for cow'smilk. Cow milk has higher protein content and quality than the non-dairy milk beverages [1]. Malnutrition, low productivity and high incidence of preventable diseases have been attributed to low protein intake [2]. Milk is a complete source of nutrients, protein necessary for growth, development and maintenance of healthy living. It facilitates recovery from malnutrition [3]. Bhutta et al [4] reported that annual death of over 823,000 children and 20,000 mothers could be prevented by strict implementation of universal breastfeeding, and this could contribute to global economic benefits to the tune of US$300 billion in savings
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