Open AccessPotential of herbs as galactogogues – A review
Author(s) -
Luiza-Andreea Emilia Tănase Butnariu,
Oana Viorela Nistor,
Doina Georgeta Andronoiu,
G. D. Mocanu,
Elisabeta Botez
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals of the university "dunărea de jos" of galaţi. fascicle vi, food technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.199
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2068-259X
pISSN - 1843-5157
DOI - 10.35219/foodtechnology.2021.1.13
Subject(s) - milk thistle , traditional medicine , lactation , breastfeeding , breast milk , herb , microbiology and biotechnology , milk production , medicine , food science , biology , medicinal herbs , pregnancy , pediatrics , zoology , biochemistry , genetics
Given that approximately 130 million babies are born worldwide each year, this study aims to help both, pregnant and breastfeeding women, to overcome the first impasse, namely the decrease or lack of lactation. To sustain this purpose, over the years were used many methods to improve lactation. A galactogogue is a substance, a food or a plant that has the ability to stimulate or increase lactation. Plants as fenugreek, fennel, anise, lemon balm, thyme, cumin, milk thistle and many others are widespread all over the globe and known as galactogogues. These plants can be used as ingredients in food or consumed in the form of herbal teas, which in turn can be obtained by different extraction methods. Even though these herbs possess many other beneficial properties for the human body, the main purpose of their use, alone or in combination, is to maintain or increase breast milk production. The purpose of this paper is to review and summarize data regarding the efficacy of galactogogues available worldwide for increasing breast milk production in food and feed nutrition.