Inhibiting effect of jasmine flowers on lactation
Abraham, M.; Devi, N.S.; Sheela, R.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 69: 88-92
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 570959 Document Number: 441340
Contact of mammary glands with jasmine [Jasminum pubescens] flowers is known to suppress lactation in women. A study was carried out on lactating mice to find out whether the flowers produce this effect through direct local action or through a central mechanism mediated by an olfactory-hypothalamic-hypophyseal pathway. Contact with jasmine flowers suppressed milk production and caused involution of the mammary gland. Exposure to the smell of the flowers alone produced similar changes to a lesser extent. Whether jasmine flowers have a local effect or act through a central mechanism triggered off by tactile or olfactory stimuli or both is discussed.