Development of Prototype Herbal Lactation-Promoting Beverages for Postpartum Mother

Abstract

     This experimental research with the following objectives: 1) to investigate medicinal herbs with lactation-promoting properties; 2) to develop a prototype herbal beverage for promoting lactation in postpartum mothers; 3) to evaluate satisfaction with the prototype herbal beverage for promoting lactation in postpartum mothers. Twenty samples were selected by purposive sampling, comprising 10 Thai traditional medicine instructors with at least 3 years of clinical practice experience and expertise in medicinal herbs, pharmaceutical production, and health supplements, alongside 10 Thai traditional medicinenstructors with at least 3 years of expertise in postpartum care. Data were collected using a 9-Point Hedonic Scale questionnaire and analyzed statistically using Jamovi software (Version 2.6.262.3) via One-Way Analysis of Variance (One-Way ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05).

     The result showed that the documentary review identified 12 medicinal herbs with lactation-promoting properties. Three herbs were considered based on the criteria established by the researchers and the potential for developing into a lactation-promoting beverage including Nom Nang (Xantolis cambodiana), Nom Wua (Scleropyrum pentandrum), and Nam Nom Ratchasi (Euphorbia hirta). The beverage formulations were prepared using the Thai pharmaceutical decoction method (three parts of the herbal preparation were boiled down to one part). The resulting decoctions were diluted with water to three concentration levels: 100%, 75%, and 50%, resulting in a total of nine formulations. The formulations were then evaluated for sensory acceptability. The results showed that the 75% concentration of the Nom Nang beverage received the highest overall liking score 8.10 ± 0.57 (corresponding to a rating of “like very much”). The 50% concentration of the Nom Wua beverage received the highest score 6.50 ± 2.95 (corresponding to a rating ranging from “like slightly to like moderately”). The 100% concentration of the Nam Nom Ratchasi beverage received the highest score 8.50 ± 0.50 (corresponding to a rating ranging from “like very much” to “like extremely”), with statistically significant differences.