NutriGalacto: Formulation and Evaluation of a Value-Added Ayurvedic Galactogenic Formulation

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a  part of our species-specific biopsychosocial system that has evolved through our mammalian history to optimise the health and survival of both mothers and infants. Nursing thus plays a crucial role in the nutrition of infants, but some mothers encounter challenges with milk production, necessitating extra assistance to boost lactation. This research intends to create and assess an Ayurvedic galactogenic snack bar aimed at improving lactation and the health of mothers. The formulation of the snack bar “NutriGalacto” includes various Ayurvedic herbs recognized for their galactogenic effects, such as Shashtika (Oriza sativa), Ikshuvalika (Hygrophila auriculata), Satavari (Asparagus racemosus), Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Methika (Trigonella foenum), and Adrakam (Zingiber officinale). These herbs have a longstanding history in Ayurveda for enhancing milk production and promoting the overall well-being of the mother. The research examines important factors of the nutritional product like nutrient composition by proximate analysis, to evaluate whether it delivers vital vitamins, minerals, and macro nutrients that support lactation, and its pharmaceutical attributes, such as physicochemical analysis and microbial load analysis to evaluate the stability, shelf life, and safety. Additionally the sensory panel evaluation was also conducted to ensure that the product is not only nutitious but also consumer friendly.   This study aids in creating a practical, nourishing, and palatable option for breastfeeding mothers who are looking for natural methods to enhance lactation. “NutriGalacto,” an Ayurvedic galactogenic snack bar, presents a hopeful dietary choice for supporting lactating women, harnessing the healing qualities of traditional herbs within a contemporary food item. The results represented that the galactagogues rich product- Ayurvedic galactogenic snack bar contains a high amount of protein, Folic acid, iron and calcium based on proximate analysis, which is best for lactating women. The physicochemical analysis of three batches demonstrates that the product is of high quality, exhibits uniform consistency, and shows reproducibility across batches. The microbial load analysis indicates that the initial batch is devoid of microbial presence, which remained safe until day seven. However, by the 15th day, the presence of microbes was detected, suggesting that the shelf life should be assumed to be 1 week.