Phenolic Profile and Effects of Seed Extracts from two Lactogenic Plants of Northern Côte d’Ivoire (Cyperus esculentus L. and Setaria italica P. Beauv.) on Mammary Gland Development

Context: Breast milk, which plays a vital role in preventing childhood illnesses, has shown a decline in production among many women. Objective: The present study aims to optimize mammary gland development through the use of local food plants, specifically Cyperus esculentus and Setaria italica. Methods: Phenolic compounds were quantified in aqueous and 70% hydroethanolic seed extracts of each plant using spectrophotometry. The effects of these extracts on mammary development were evaluated in four groups of adult Wistar rats: two groups were treated orally with mixtures of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the two plants at 200 mg/mL, respectively; one group was treated with a standard lactogen (Serenatal A); and a control group remained untreated for one week. Results: The analysis of phenolic compounds in the extracts revealed total polyphenol contents ranging from 9.17 ± 0.12 to 22.07 ± 0.97 mg GAE/g of dry extract, while total flavonoid and tannin levels ranged from 1.22 ± 0.03 to 5.41 ± 0.02 mg QE/g of dry extract and from 2.70 ± 0.14 to 6.27 ± 0.02 mg EAT/g of dry extract, respectively. Examination of the mammary glands showed more prominent and hypertrophied teats in animals treated with plant extracts, similar to those observed in rats treated with Serenatal A, compared to untreated controls. Conclusion: These findings highlight the lactogenic effect of the seeds of both plant species, supporting their traditional use.