Effects of galactagogue herbal tea containing Chrysanthemum indicum as the main component on milk production in postpartum rats

Abstract

Purpose: Breastfeeding is the optimal method for feeding a newborn. But insufficient breast milk is the major reason why mothers give up breastfeeding. Herbal galactagogues have been used increasingly to treat postpartum hypogalactia. This study examined the effect of an herbal tea containing Chrysanthemum indicum, as the main ingredient, on milk production in lactating rats. Methods: The herbal tea contained C. indicum (27%), Foeniculum vulgare Mill (21%), Pimpinella anisum (18.2%), Carum carvi (16.1%), Urtica dioica (14.7%), and Gardenia jasminoides (3%). Sixteen lactating Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided randomly into 2 groups, the normal control group (NC; n = 8), and the galactagogue herbal tea group (GHT; n = 8) for 7 days. Lactating rats were administered the decoction of an herbal galactagogue mixture by oral gavage or the same amount of distilled water and milk production was assessed by measuring the pups' weights during the suckling period. The blood concentrations of prolactin, cortisol, oxytocin levels and mammary gland tissues were examined to assess the effects of the galactagogue. Results: Milk production was 9.2% higher in the GHT group given the herbal tea than in the NC group and the difference was statistically significant. The cortisol level in the GHT group was 17.2% higher than the NC group. The herbal tea containing C. indicum increased the size of the alveoli epithelium cells and the mammary lobe. Conclusion: The present study revealed the potential of herbal tea containing C. indicum to enhance milk production in postpartum SD rats.