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.

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 500 mg 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 on the first day, with no further adverse events reported.

CONCLUSION

By the third day, PFT significantly increased breast milk volume and serum prolactin levels. Increases in glycogen and carbohydrate content in breast milk were also observed. The formulation was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects in mothers or infants.