Histological study of the mammary gland of lactating albino Wistar rats treated with oil palm sap as galactagogue

Background: Population of mothers’ resident in Southeastern Nigeria often use the juicy oil palm sap from African (Elaeis guineensis) palm tree commonly called Palm Wine as galactagogue to boost milk production in lactating women. This study investigated the effects of oil palm sap on the histology of mammary gland in lactating rats. Method: Twenty primiparous female albino wistar rats were used and randomly divided into four groups (n=5, each). The rats in the treated groups received a daily administration of oil palm sap through orogastric method at a dose of 10ml/kg. The positive and negative control groups received 5mg/kg of metoclopramide and 2.5mg/ kg of bromocriptine, respectively while the normal control group received 0.5 ml distilled water. The mammary glands of lactating rats were harvested and fixed with 10% formalin for routine histological procedures and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and viewed under light microscope. Result: Histological analysis showed that oil palm sap induced the development of the lobuloalveolar system of the mammary glands. Conclusion: This study scientifically validates the galactagogue properties of oil palm sap and justifies the traditional use of this plant extract to boost milk production in lactating women.