Efficacy and safety of the Plook-Fire-Thatu recipe on breast milk volume and breast milk macronutrient composition in postpartum women: A randomised controlled trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Plook-Fire-Thatu (PFT) is an ancient Thai herbal formulation traditionally believed to increase breast milk volume. However, clinical studies on the PFT's effectiveness for breast milk production are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PFT in increasing breast milk volume.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A randomised controlled trial was conducted involving 60 postpartum women. The treatment group received standard care alongside 500mg of PFT orally, three times daily for three days, while the control group received standard care alone. Serum prolactin levels, haematological parameters and blood chemistry were assessed on days 1 and 3. Breast milk volume was measured using an electronic pump on days 1, 2 and 3. Adverse drug reactions in mothers and infants were monitored on days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 30. Breast milk samples were analysed for macronutrient content using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
RESULTS
Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The treatment group exhibited significantly greater breast milk volume on days 2 (p = 0.028) and 3 (p = 0.002) compared with the control group. Serum prolactin levels increased significantly in the treatment group (p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed in haematological or blood chemistry between groups. Glycogen and carbohydrate levels in breast milk were significantly higher in the treatment group. Two participants reported mild epigastric discomfort…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.
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