Galactogenic effect of milk powder from nutsedge tubers (Cyperus esculentus) in lactating rats

Early cessation of breastfeeding, often due to insufficient milk production, is a frequent problem for mothers. In order to provide a solution, this study assessed the galactogenic efficacy of nutsedge tubers. To do this, 72 nulliparous rats aged around three months were used. After parturition, each lactating rat was housed individually with six rat pups. For 17 days, the animals were divided into several groups receiving: a negative control diet (without galactagogue), a positive control diet (Galactogil with drinking water), and four experimental diets based on 10 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40 % nutsedge tuber milk powder. Milk production in lactating rats was assessed using the rat weighing method, while the histological structure of the mammary glands was observed. Serum prolactin concentrations were measured on days 0, 7 and 14. The results show that Tiger Nuts milk powder stimulates milk production and increases blood prolactin. Milk production reached 36.58 ± 0.41 g for the MPNT 40 % diet, compared with 27.52 ± 0.65 g for the control. The MPNT 40 % diet has the highest serum prolactin concentration and also promotes better lobule-alveolar organization of the mammary glands. The increase in milk production, accompanied by a significant improvement in the weight growth of the pups, confirms the galactogenic effect of yellow nutsedge tubers.