Abstract
Milk thistle seed extract (Silbanummarianum), is a mixture of flavonolignans. The main active ingredients in S. marianum are silybin (silibinin), sylichrisitn, and silydianin, commonly referred to collectively as Sylimarin. Studies showed that Silymarin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Seventy-two pregnant female Wister rats were randomly assigned to 3 study groups (24 rats in each group). Group 1, or a control group (C group), received drinking water daily for 14 days from the 8th day of gestation until the delivery. Group 2 (M) and Group 3 (S) received Metoclopramide (5mgkgday) and S. marianum seed extract (200 mgkgday), respectively, for 14 days. Dams’ body weights were monitored throughout the pregnancy. The weights of the newborns in the litter (which previously adjusted to 8 offsprings) were measured on the first day of parturition, and 8 dams from each group were randomly selected and sacrificed. Pregnant female rats in (S) group had litter of significantly higher body weight and increase serum prolactin level in pregnant female rats (p< 0.05). Milk thistle seed extract led to a marked hyperplasia in mammary gland tissue, with strong expression of prolactin receptors. Wister ratsinS. marianum and Metoclopramide groups showed significant increase in serum prolactin levels, had heavier offsprings, and histological and immunohistochemistry changes as compared to the animals that stopped receiving the treatment in the same group (p<0.05). We concluded that S. marianum enhances milk production and mammary gland development (galactogogues effect).
Highlights
Milk serves as an important economic resource
Lactating female rats that continued in receiving Silymarin and Metoclopramide registered significant increase in body weight as compared to the subgroups who stopped the treatment within the same group (P
In the present study we have demonstrated that silymarin increases serum prolactin levels in pregnant and lactated female rats at higher levels that the metoclopramide and control group
Summary
Milk serves as an important economic resource. It is vital for animal growth and wellbeing as it is essential product during neonatal life and provides the essential immunoglobulins during early life period as well as later in life. Milk industries put more efforts toward establishing long term programs for development and care of livestock and conducting researches and scientific studies that would increase both quantity and quality of the milk [1]. The mammary glands are one of few organs in the body which are able to undergo repeated phases of growth, differentiation and regression. At the onset of puberty in the female, the increase in ovarian steroids induces elongation and sidebranching of the rudimentary mammary gland ductal system. Some differentiation of the ductal system occurs at this stage, resulting in a compact glandular structure. The gland, remains relatively inactive until pregnancy [2]
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