LACTOGENIC EFFECT OF PALM WINE IN ALBINO WISTAR RAT USING OXYTOCIN AND BODY WEIGHT AS BIOMARKER

Abstract

This study investigated the lactogenic effect of palm wine in albino Wistar rats using oxytocin levels and body weight as biomarkers. Lactation is a hormone-regulated physiological process essential for offspring survival, with oxytocin playing a key role in milk ejection. Ten lactating rats and their sixty pups were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received palm wine (10 ml/kg) daily for 21 days. Maternal and pup body weights were recorded, while serum oxytocin levels were analyzed using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test at p<0.05. Results showed a significant reduction in serum oxytocin levels (p<0.05) and pup body weight (p<0.05) in the palm wine group. Maternal body weight and mammary gland number were not significantly affected (p>0.05). These findings suggest that palm wine may impair lactation by reducing oxytocin levels and negatively affecting offspring growth. Further research is needed to clarify its physiological mechanisms.