Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Present communication deals with antioxidant activity of acetone and methanol extracts and evaluation of galactagogue activity
of alcoholic extract of the roots of Euphorbia fusiformis, a rare medicinal herb traditionally used by the Santal tribe of Gonpur
forest area, West Bengal, India. Phenolic content was estimated following Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. Flavanoids and flavonols
content were also measured using standard protocols. 1, 1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging effect of the two different
extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Fifteen lactating rats were equally distributed into three groups. Control group
rats were treated with 2 ml/kg distilled water, Group II and III rats were orally administered 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight,
respectively, of ethanolic extract of the root of Euphorbia fusiformis from 3rd to 15th day of parturition. On 16th day, blood samples
from mother rats were collected. Glycogen and total protein content in mammary gland and serum prolactin were estimated.
Highest phenol content and radical scavenging with IC50 = 0.240±0.001 mg dry material was found in acetone extract of plant.
Methanol extract contain a very good amount of flavanoids and flavonols. Alcoholic extract significantly increases milk yield,
pups’ body weight, glycogen and protein content of mammary gland tissue, and serum prolactin, compared to control animals.
Greater amount of phenolic compounds leads to more potent radical scavenging effect as shown by acetone extract of plant.
Euphorbia fusiformis possesses significant antioxidant activity, and the bioactive constituents stimulate secretion/ regulation of
prolactin hormone and thereby may regulate the formation of milk.

Key words: antioxidant, Euphorbia fusiformis, galactagogue, milk yield, pups weight