# Microencapsulated Extracts From Banana Flowers Induce Milk Production in Lactating Rats Through Increased α‐Lactalbumin, Aquaporin, and Prolactin Levels

## TL;DR

Banana flower extracts increase milk production in lactating rats by boosting proteins involved in milk synthesis and hormone levels.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that microencapsulated banana flower extracts act as a galactagogue by increasing specific proteins and prolactin in lactating rats.

## Key findings

- BF at 250 and 500 mg/kg increased milk production and pup weight in lactating rats.
- BF treatment elevated serum prolactin and AQP-1, AQP-3, and AQP-5 protein levels.
- Histopathology showed increased milk secretion in mammary alveoli after BF administration.

## Abstract

Musa sapientum L., commonly known as the banana flower (BF), is used as a galactagogue in Thai traditional medicine. This study aimed to assess the galactagogue potential of microencapsulated extracts from the BF and its impact on serum prolactin level, α‐lactalbumin (LALBA), and aquaporin (AQP) protein levels in the mammary glands of lactating rats. Milk production was determined by measuring pup weight during the suckling period. The control group was administered distilled water orally, whereas Group II was administered domperidone at doses of 2.7 mg/kg. Groups III and IV were orally administered BF at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, from the 3rd day to the 12th day postpartum. On the 12th day, blood samples and mammary gland tissues were collected for analysis. Protein levels of AQP‐1, AQP‐3, AQP‐5, LALBA, and serum prolactin were assessed. Additionally, a histopathological examination of the mammary glands was performed. BF doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg were found to increase milk production, pup weight, serum prolactin levels, and protein levels of AQP‐1, AQP‐3, and AQP‐5 compared to the control group. Transverse sections of the mammary glands from rats treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg exhibited a marked increase in milk secretion within the alveoli. These findings suggest that BF possesses significant galactagogue activity.