Potential of herbs as galactogogues – A review

Abstract

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.