The effect of Moringa oleifera capsule in increasing breast milk volume in early postpartum patients: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: Moringa oleifera is an herbal galactagogue that is used to increase the volume of breast milk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaves in increasing the volume of breast milk in early postpartum mothers. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Eighty-eight postpartum women were randomized to either the study group receiving oral Moringa oleifera capsules or to the control group receiving oral placebo capsules. RESULTS: There was no difference in median breast milk volume on the third day of postpartum between the Moringa oleifera leaf group and the control group (73.5 vs 50 ml, p = 0.19). However, the amount of breast milk in the Moringa oleifera group was 47% more than the one in the control group. The exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months in this study was 52.3% in the Moringa oleifera group, which met the goals set by the World Health Organization. CONCLUSIONS: Even 900 mg/day of the Moringa oleifera leaf could not significantly increase breast milk volume in early postpartum mothers, but the amount of breast milk in the Moringa oleifera group was 47% more than the one in the control group. The exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months in the Moringa oleifera group achieved the goals set by the WHO. Therefore, Moringa oleifera leaf may be used as a galactagogue herb to increase the volume of breast milk.