The effect of Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr leaves decoction on primiparous colostrum immunomodulatory profile: study of Baliness traditional recepies for lactating mother

Abstract Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr is a herbal plant that is widely consumed by Baliness lactating women to increase breast milk production and reported have other health benefits including anti-inflammatory effects. Colostrum has essential nutrients to support the newborn's immune system including mucosal barrier maturation, especially immunoglobulin A (IgA). This study conducted to confirm colostrum IgA and IL-5 consentration shiftness during Baliness traditional recipes containing Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr administration. Primiparous mothers between 22 and 30 years of age with uncomplicated atterm vaginal delivery were eligible to participate in the trial. We randomly assigned 34 women to traditional recepies containing Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr treatment for 7 days (intervention group) and 32 were assigned as control group. Colostrum was isolated on the first day postpartum and the seventh day after consumption of Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr, followed by measurement of IgA and IL-5 levels using ELISA. A total of 6 women were unable to provide colostrum at 7 days and not regularly consumed treatment, so 30 women in the intervention group and 30 women in control group were included in teh analysis. Pre-post-test analysis was performed. Consumption of Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr for 7 days significantly increased colostrum IgA concentration better than control (p=0.042) but not significantly reduce IL-5 colostrum concentration (p=0.119). Additionally, lowering IL-5 concentration signficantly correlated with elevating IgA colostrum after treated with Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr (p=0.011). This finding corroborates scientific recommendations regarding another health benefit the Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr as IgA colostrum booster. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr on the IgA composition in mature milk.