Galactogenic Effects of Yellow and Black Tigernut (<i>Cyperus esculentus</i>) on Lactating Wistar Rats

Taking synthetic galactogenic compounds and nutritional supplements stimulate milk production. This work aims to study the galactogenic effect of tigernut tubers (Cyperus esculentus) on laboratory rats. For this study three types of diets were developed. The standard diet consists of corn flour, fish, olive oil, vitamin and mineral salts. The standard diet supplemented with yellow tigernut flour and the standard diet supplemented with black tigernut flour. The proportions of carbohydrates and lipids in the diets were obtained by calculation. Corn starch was the main source of carbohydrates in the control diet. Fifty pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups according to the diet given during lactation. During lactation, weight and consumption of mothers and litters were monitored. Blood samples were taken from breastfed young rats and lactating rats on the 17th and 25th day of lactation. Assays of plasma concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol were carried out in lactating rats and young rats breastfed by these rats from the different groups on days 17 and 25. Prolactin and estrogen levels were measured in lactating rats from the different diets. These different measurements were carried out according to standard and referenced methods. The main results showed a reduction in the weight of lactating rats in all groups. Also, the young rats breastfed on the milk of mothers fed with yellow and black tigernut recorded a significant weight gain. The prolactin levels of lactating rats fed tigernuts were practically elevated compared to control lactating rats. The compounds present in tigernuts have galactogenic effects. tigernuts therefore represent an alternative solution for mothers with real difficulties in breastfeeding.