More recently Huët[115] tested the effects of Theinhardt’s Hygiama lactogene on four lactating women. This preparation is said to be composed of hygiama,[116] galega and anise. Analysis showed that it contains albumins, fat, soluble and insoluble carbohydrates, salts and water. Huët could not observe any influence from the use of this preparation, either on the quantity or on the composition of the milk secreted.
Nutrolactis[117] is a commercial preparation sold by the Nutrolactis Company of New York at $1 a bottle. The label states that it contains 5 per cent. of alcohol; that it contains fluid extracts of the family of “galactagogic plants,” and that it is intended to “increase the supply of mother’s milk.” It is recommended to maintain “quality and quantity until the end of normal lactation.” Nutrolactis is also recommended for a mother debilitated by lactation. It is claimed that “Nutrolactis does not force the secretion of milk but merely assists such secretion.” Years ago Millbank[118] reported good results from the use of Nutrolactis. After more than a year’s use he concluded that it was more satisfactory than any other lactagogue hitherto employed by him, which is not saying very much, as specific lactagogues are as yet unknown. Nutrolactis is still (1916) extensively advertised in various medical journals as a lactagogue.
METHODS OF INVESTIGATION
The alleged lactagogue action of galega and Nutrolactis was tested on lactating dogs and goats. In these animals the psychic factors, or suggestion, are largely eliminated. If the results had been positive or had indicated lactagogue action, the test would have been extended to nursing women. The puppies and kids were weighed before and after nursing and a record kept of the amount of milk obtained at each nursing (the animals nursing from three to five times daily). The mothers were fed with varying doses of the drugs, and the milk yield compared with that of a control period during which no drugs were administered. An effort was made to keep the conditions of the experiments uniform throughout.
The galega was ground and mixed with the food. The Nutrolactis was mixed with food given by the stomach tube, or in some cases with a spoon. Galega was tested on two goats and Nutrolactis on one goat and nine dogs. The results are given herewith:
GALEGA
Goat 1: Control period, 1,600 gm., milk av. daily yield for 7 days.
Galega period (30 gm. galega mixed with oats), 860 gm., milk av. daily yield for 8 days.
Kids weaned at end of period.
Goat 2: Control period, 1,161 gm. milk av. daily yield for 9 days.
Galega period (30 gm. galega mixed with oats), 860 gm. milk av. daily yield for 8 days. (25 gm. galega in same way), 810 gm. milk av. daily yield for 10 days.
Control period, 896 gm. milk av. daily yield for 6 days.