Abstract
Objective : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Mokhyangsaenghwa-tang (MS) and Mokhyangsaenghwa-tang plus Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu (MS-C) on postpartum recovery and lactation. Materials and Methods : We used 18-week pregnant Spraque Dawley rats and administered the decoctions of MS and MS-C to rats once a day for 4 days or 8 days. Then we observed changes in the body weight of pup rats and complete blood cell count, liver function test, renal function test, mammary gland tissue, level of serum prolactin, ${\beta}-casein$ and WAP of postpartum rats. Result : A significant increase in body weight was observed in MS-C treated pup rats compared with in MS treated group. The levels of WBC and platelet from MS group and MS-C group were decreased compared with the control group. The levels of RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit from MS group and MS-C group showed statistically significant increases compared with the control group. The levels of protein, albumin from MS group and MS-C group were increased compared with the control group. The levels of BUN, creatinine from MS group and MS-C group did not show statistically significant changes compared with the control group. The mammary gland tissues from MS group and MS-C group showed increased angiogenesis. The levels of serum prolactin from MS group and MS-C group were increased compared with the control group. The expression of ${\beta}-casein$ and WAP genes from postpartum rats treated with MS and MS-C was increased. Conclusion : This study shows that MS and MS-C improved postpartum recovery and lactation in rats.