Is Goat´s Rue compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Goat´s Rue?

Goat´s Rue

August 28, 2018 (Low Risk)

The aerial parts are consumed. It contains guanidine and galegine.

No scientific article has been published which show increase in milk production or decrease in blood sugar levels.

It has not been possible to demonstrate greater antioxidant capacity in milk of mothers who have drunk infusions made from this and other plants.

The German Health Ministry’s Commission E does not advise its use in humans due to a lack of evidence of its therapeutic value.

Two newborns were seriously poisoned after their mothers drank an average of two litres a day of an infusion of licorice, fennel, aniseed and galega (Rosti 1994).

This plant is highly toxic for sheep (Puyt 1981).

The best galactogogue is frequent on-demand breastfeeding with correct technique (Mannion 2012, ABM 2011). Do not use as a galactogogue without medical supervision.

Precautions when taking plant preparations:
1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • French honeysuckle
  • French Lilac
  • Galega
  • Italian Fitch
  • Professor-weed

Writings

  • Galega officinalis (Latin, botanical name)
  • Rue-de-chèvre, Sainfoin d'Espagne, Faux-indigo. (French)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Özalkaya E, Aslandoğdu Z, Özkoral A, Topcuoğlu S, Karatekin G. Effect of a galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and prolactin secretion by mothers of preterm babies. Niger J Clin Pract. 2018Abstract
  2. Serrao F, Corsello M, Romagnoli C, D'Andrea V, Zecca E. The Long-Term Efficacy of a Galactagogue Containing Sylimarin-Phosphatidylserine and Galega on Milk Production of Mothers of Preterm Infants. Breastfeed Med. 2018Abstract
  3. Salatino S, Giacomelli L, Carnevali I, Giacomelli E. The role of natural galactagogues during breast feeding: focus on a Galega officinalis based food supplement. Minerva Pediatr. 2017Abstract
  4. Anderson PO. Herbal Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2017Abstract
  5. Şahin B, Kaymaz N, Yıldırım Ş. Herbal remedies for perceived inadequate milk supply are perhaps not as safe as women think: A brief case report. Women Birth. 2016Abstract
  6. Zecca E, Zuppa AA, D'Antuono A, Tiberi E, Giordano L, Pianini T, Romagnoli C. Efficacy of a galactogogue containing silymarin-phosphatidylserine and galega in mothers of preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016Abstract
  7. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Castoldi F, Pivetti V, Moiraghi L, Marangione P, Lista G. [Silymarin/galega administration in term and preterm mothers to sustain breast feeding: an observational study]. Minerva Pediatr. 2014Abstract
  9. Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Kavurt S, Bas AY, Aydemir O, Yucel H, Isikoglu S, Demirel N. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on oxidant and anti-oxidant status of human milk. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2013Abstract
  11. Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013Abstract
  12. Comité de Lactancia Materna AEP. Preguntas frecuentes sobre lactancia materna. Folleto. 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012Abstract
  15. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  16. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. Turkyılmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, Turan O, Koç E, Ergenekon E, Atalay Y. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. J Altern Complement Med. 2011Abstract
  18. Zuppa AA, Sindico P, Orchi C, Carducci C, Cardiello V, Romagnoli C. Safety and efficacy of galactogogues: substances that induce, maintain and increase breast milk production. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2010Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  19. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998Abstract
  20. Blumenthal M. The American Botanical Council. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Ed. Integrative Medicine Com. Boston. 1998
  21. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatr. 1994Abstract
  22. Puyt JD, Faliu L, Keck G, Gedfrain JC, Pinault L, Tainturier D. Fatal poisoning of sheep by Galega officinalis (French honeysuckle). Vet Hum Toxicol. 1981Abstract