An experimental study to evaluate galactagogue activity of Bidali (Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn.) with special reference to Stanya Janana

More than 8 Lakh infantile deaths in India are attributed to inadequate breastfeeding, which is correlated with a prevalence of 45% to 53.6% cases of oligogalactia. Bidali (Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn.) is one among the two varieties of Vidari as described by Acharya Dalhana, with Stanya Vardhaka Karma. Hence the experimental evaluation of galactagogue activity of Bidali (Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn.) was carried out using milk estimation by the means of pup weight and weight gain along with estimation of serum prolactin and histology of breast tissue. Assessment was done by dam weight, daily milk yield by the means of pup weight and weight gain, serum prolactin estimation and histology of breast issue. The treatment groups have shown positive result in dose dependent manner in the parameters; Weight of Dams, and Weight of Pups. Histology reports re-emphasize the same; the development of Tubulo-alveolar unit and intraluminal secretions were more in group treated with higher dose than that of group treated with lower dose of Bidali (Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn.).