Evaluation of a lactogenic activity of an aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus Linn

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance In Ayurveda, the rhizome of Cyperus rotundus Linn has been reported for wide spectrum of biological activities including lactational therapy for increasing milk quantity. However, not a single report is available on validation of its herbal galactagogue potentiality in literature. Thus, the present study is aimed to assess the lactogenic property of aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus (CRE). Materials and methods The effect of aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizome was evaluated by measuring weight of the pups during suckling period. Quantitatively, total protein and carbohydrate contents of mammary tissue and serum prolactin and cortisol level were calculated. Histopathological analysis of mammary gland, pituitary gland, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and ovary tissues was carried out. Acute toxicity of CRE against rat was assessed by the Hippocratic test and biochemical profile of blood serum. Results Oral administration of 300 and 600 mg of CRE induced about 23% and 40% more milk in experimental group of animals as compared to the control group of animals. Weight gain by pups and mother rats of treated groups were significantly higher following administration of CRE as compared to that of control group. Moreover protein and carbohydrate content of mammary gland tissue were also significantly more than control group of animals. The CRE was found to stimulate the synthesis of prolactin significantly. In addition, the mammary gland tissues of experimental group showed obvious lobulo-alveolar development with milk secretion. Administration of CRE did not cause any signs or symptoms of toxicity which implied that Cyperus rotundus is toxicologically safe. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus can stimulate milk production in the female rats which may be consequently effective in increasing the lactation of human too.