The Effect of Fenugreek Seeds Powder on Prolactin Level in Lactating Sudanese Mothers

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of fenugreek seeds and to evaluate its effect on prolactin and milk production in lactating Sudanese mothers. Moisture, ash, nitrogen (hence protein), fiber, oil, and carbohydrate contents were 4.45%, 3.44%, 23.63%, 4.68%, 6.46%, 67.34% respectively. The peroxide value was found to be 8.25%. Herbal galactogogues are widely used today to stimulate milk production in women, in view of the traditional belief that fenugreek (trigonella foenum – grancacul) can stimulate milk production in lactating women, experiments were performed to determine the effect of oral administration of 500 mg fenugreek seeds powder (given 3 times daily) , on milk production and prolactin levels in Sudanese lactating women. Twenty Sudanese females were given an orall dose of 500 mg (3times daily) for 3 months Blood samples were collected and body weight was measured every two weeks. It was found that administration of 500 mg (3 time daily) for 3 months induced highly significant increase (P<0.05) in prolactin levels and body weight gain in all treated females compared with the control. This effect was associated with a significant increase in milk production.