Volume 7, Issue 3 (7-2025)
pbp 2025, 7(3): 1-11 |
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Dawoud A, Dawoud D. Sudanese Medicinal Plants for Enhancing Lactation: Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Scientific Evidence. pbp 2025; 7 (3) :1-11
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-309-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-309-en.html
1- Assistant professor at Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Traditional Medicine Research Institute, National Center of Research, Sudan , azzadawoudhussien@gmail.com
2- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Traditional Medicine Research Institute, National Center of Research, Sudan
2- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Traditional Medicine Research Institute, National Center of Research, Sudan
Abstract: (362 Views)
Objective: This review aims to integrate traditional Sudanese knowledge and scientific evidence regarding medicinal plants used to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. It focuses on the botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological profiles of commonly used galactagogues in Sudan, highlighting their mechanisms of action and potential for integration into primary healthcare.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles, ethnobotanical surveys, and clinical reports from 2000 to 2025. Keywords included "Sudanese medicinal plants," "galactagogue," "lactation support," and "traditional herbal medicine." Studies were selected based on their relevance to Sudanese flora and evidence of lactogenic effects, including experimental and clinical data.
Key Findings: The review identifies about ten medicinal plants traditionally used in Sudan to enhance milk production, including Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Sesamum indicum (sesame), Adansonia digitata (baobab), and Nigella sativa (black cumin). These plants exhibit diverse phytochemical compositions such as saponins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and essential fatty acids that act through prolactin stimulation, estrogenic activity, and nutritional support. Despite promising ethnomedical use and preliminary scientific evidence, most of these galactagogues lack standardized formulations, clinical validation, and regulatory oversight. Integrating validated herbal galactagogues into primary healthcare systems presents a culturally acceptable and operationally viable solution to support lactation, especially in resource-limited Sudanese communities.
Conclusion: Sudanese medicinal plants hold significant potential as natural lactation enhancers.
However, their incorporation into maternal health strategies requires further clinical research, phytochemical standardization, and supportive health policy frameworks.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles, ethnobotanical surveys, and clinical reports from 2000 to 2025. Keywords included "Sudanese medicinal plants," "galactagogue," "lactation support," and "traditional herbal medicine." Studies were selected based on their relevance to Sudanese flora and evidence of lactogenic effects, including experimental and clinical data.
Key Findings: The review identifies about ten medicinal plants traditionally used in Sudan to enhance milk production, including Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Sesamum indicum (sesame), Adansonia digitata (baobab), and Nigella sativa (black cumin). These plants exhibit diverse phytochemical compositions such as saponins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and essential fatty acids that act through prolactin stimulation, estrogenic activity, and nutritional support. Despite promising ethnomedical use and preliminary scientific evidence, most of these galactagogues lack standardized formulations, clinical validation, and regulatory oversight. Integrating validated herbal galactagogues into primary healthcare systems presents a culturally acceptable and operationally viable solution to support lactation, especially in resource-limited Sudanese communities.
Conclusion: Sudanese medicinal plants hold significant potential as natural lactation enhancers.
However, their incorporation into maternal health strategies requires further clinical research, phytochemical standardization, and supportive health policy frameworks.
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Phytomedicine
Received: 2025/05/26 | Accepted: 2025/05/28 | Published: 2025/07/27
Received: 2025/05/26 | Accepted: 2025/05/28 | Published: 2025/07/27
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