Preliminary evaluation of a polyherbal formulation for its galactogogue properties in primiparous wistar rats

A polyherbal formulation was assessed for its galactogogue potential in primiparous Wistar rats. Recently delivered 13 female rats were divided into test (n = 6) and control group (n = 7) which received formulation @ 1mg/kg body weight and the control group was fed distilled water from day 2 post partum to day 22 i.e. weaning respectively. After delivery of each female rat, her body weight, the total number of pups delivered and the average weight of pups were recorded. The galactogogue effect of the test formulation was assessed on the basis of average weight of pups, average weight of female rats, feed consumption of female rats and histopathology of mammary gland at the end of the trial.

The results indicated an increase in the daily feed consumption and body weight of female rats of test group as compared to control group. The percentile increase in the weight of pups (over their respective initial body weights) in test group was also superior to the control. The histological analysis of the mammary tissue revealed nonsignificant changes. The results suggested that the polyherbal formulation was able to increase the milk yield partially and a higher dose and longer treatment duration be considered while undertaking trials in dairy animals.