The effect of Urticadoica extract on milk production parameters in Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is considered as the best nutritional choice for infants. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.5 million infants die annually due to deprivation from or lack of breast milk. Urticadoicais a plant containing essential amino acids, vitamins and numerous nutrients. It seems that using medicinal plants is one of the methods of increasing breast milk. Urticadoicais recommended increasing breast milk based on traditional herbal medicine. The present study was designed to determine the effect of urticadoica extract on serum prolactin levels and the mammary tissue of rats.Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, Wistar female rats we repurchased and divided into 4 groups (n=6) and Urticadoica Hydro alcoholic extract zero(control), 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg administered in teraperitoneally for 21 consequent days to animals. Animals were anesthetized and serum prolactin levels were determined by ELISA method. Breast tissue sections were stained and morphometic studies were done.Results: Our findings indicated that urticacan increase significantly the number of alveoli of breast in doses of 20 (P=0.033) and 50 mg/kg(P= 0. 041). Changes in serum prolactin level lsand alveolar diameter were not significant in comparison with control group. Nevertheless, serum prolactin levels and alveolar diameter increased in doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg (P = 0.21).Conclusions: Urticadoicaextract has fairly positive effect on breast tissue parameters.