Provision of Cowpea Leaves (Vigna Sinensis L) Extract to Increase the Levels of Prolactin Hormone Among Postpartum Women

Abstract

Background
Insufficiency of breast milk production is the main reason for a mother to terminate breastfeeding early. Synthetic galactagogue is not widely known and the price is relatively expensive and it contains side effects. The content of sipinon & polyphenol compounds in cowpea leaves (Vigna Sinensis L) has a galactagogue effect that can increase breast milk production and smoothen lactation process.
Objective
To prove the effect of providing cowpea leaves extract on the increase in Prolactin Hormone Level among postpartum women.
Methods
This was a quasy experimental study with random cluster design pre test and post test control group design. The samples were 32 postpartum women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria chosen with consecutive sampling technique. The samples were assigned into the intervention group (n=16) that was given 200 mg of cowpea leaves extract (in the form of capsule) and the control group (n=16) that was given vitamin supplements according to postpartum midwifery care standards. This study was conducted with univariate and bivariate analysis using dependent and independent t-tests and Wilcoxon test was performed for data that were not normally distributed.
Results
The prolactin level after the intervention obtained (p = 0.006), which means that there was a difference in prolactin levels after treatment between the intervention group and control group.
Conclusion
Cowpea leaves extract had an effect on increasing Prolactin Hormone Level.