Evaluation of lactogenic activity of Triumfetta rhomboidea L. root: Validating its traditional usage -

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the lactogenic activity of aqueous extract of Triumfetta rhomboidea L. on nursing rats. Materials and methods: Rats (200-250 g) with suckling pups were selected and were divided into five groups (n=6). Group I treated as control; Group II treated as standard (Domperidone) and Group III, IV and V were orally administered with aqueous extract of T. rhomboidea roots (ATRR) at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body wt. respectively and continued for l4th day of parturition. Milk yield, the weight of pups and mother were measured daily. On 15th day, the total protein/carbohydrate contents (mammary tissue) and serum prolactin/cortisol level were measured and compared with control. Results: Oral administration of ATRR increases the milk yield, body weight of pups as well as mother rat, glycogen and protein content of mammary gland tissue, as well as serum prolactin and cortisol, level as compared to the control animals. In addition, the lactogenic effect of ATRR was followed dose dependent manner as compared to standard. Conclusion: The present study reveals that the ATRR possesses significant lactogenic activity by enhancing milk production and prolactin concentration in nursing rats.