Effects of Moringa oleifera on the Prevention of Hypogalactia and Body Weight in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

In Côte d’Ivoire, insufficient milk production (74.7%) and obesity (13.8%) represent major health concerns among breastfeeding women. Obesity appears to hinder optimal exclusive breastfeeding practices. In this context, Moringa oleifera is commonly incorporated into culinary preparations to stimulate lactation. The present study aimed to determine the nutritional profile, assess tolerance, and evaluate the lactogenic and weight-related effects of Moringa oleifera in female Wistar rats. The applied analytical methods revealed dietary fiber content of 12 ± 0.2%, ash at 22 ± 0.3%, protein at 26.13 ± 0.05%, and lipids at 0.23 ± 0.01%. Antioxidant compounds showed total polyphenols of 243.12 ± 1.2 mg GAE/g DM and flavonoids of 24.72 ± 0.2 mg QE/g DM. Regarding antinutritional factors, tannins, phytates, and oxalates were quantified at 2.4 ± 0.05 mg TAE/g DM, 14.0 ± 30.07 mg/100 g DM, and 2.06 ± 0.01 mg/100 g DM, respectively. Experimentally, plasma prolactin concentrations in rats treated with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (14.10 ± 0.67 ng/mL) were significantly higher than those of the control group (10.41 ± 0.11 ng/mL) (p < 0.05) and comparable to those of the group receiving Galactogil (15.26 ± 0.84 ng/mL). Furthermore, clinical and biological tolerance parameters (ALT, AST, urea), as well as body weight and triglyceride levels, remained stable and within normal ranges, with no significant differences compared to controls. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera, a resilient plant, could serve as a natural alternative for the sustainable prevention of hypogalactia and obesity in breastfeeding women, thereby contributing to improved infant health through quantitatively and qualitatively adequate breastfeeding. However, further investigations, particularly histological studies, are warranted.