Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
09:02
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
Effects of cabbage leaf extract on breast engorgement
K L Roberts1, M Reiter, D Schuster
1Northern Territory University in Darwin, Australia.
Summary
Cabbage leaf extract cream showed no significant difference compared to placebo for treating breast engorgement in lactating women. Breastfeeding provided greater relief from discomfort and tissue hardness than either cream.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Lactation and Breastfeeding Research
Background:
- Breast engorgement is a common discomfort for lactating mothers.
- Various interventions are explored to alleviate engorgement symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of cabbage leaf extract cream versus placebo in managing breast engorgement.
- To assess the impact of cream application on discomfort and tissue hardness.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, pretest/posttest experiment was conducted.
- 21 participants received cabbage leaf extract cream, and 18 received placebo cream.
- Outcomes measured included relief of discomfort and decrease in tissue hardness.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in relief or tissue hardness was found between the cabbage leaf extract group and the placebo group.
- Mothers in both groups perceived the creams as effective in relieving discomfort.
- Breastfeeding was found to be more effective than cream application in reducing discomfort and tissue hardness.
Conclusions:
- Cabbage leaf extract cream is not more effective than placebo for breast engorgement.
- Lactation consultants should encourage breastfeeding as a primary method to relieve breast engorgement discomfort.
