Samples with negative odor tests contained concentrations in the range of 0.98 to about 20.23 mcg/kg of milk. Chemical analysis of the positive odor tests found 1,8-cineole in concentrations from 70 to about 2090 mcg/kg of milk, most in the range of 100 to 500 mcg/kg of milk. Fourteen of the samples had a distinct eucalyptus-like odor. Odor was rated by a panel of 3 to 5 experts as either smelling like eucalyptus or not. A total of 21 milk samples were obtained. Then they pumped 1 to 4 milk samples at the time they perceived the smell of eucalyptus on their breath which had been previously shown to be approximately concurrent. Twelve nursing mothers who were19 weeks to 19 months postpartum ingested 100 mg of 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol) in the form of delayed-release capsules (Soledum-Klosterfrau Vertriebs GmbH, Germany) that release the drug in the intestine. Only small amounts of anenthol glucuronide metabolites were present in the milk samples. The average peak anenthol concentration in milk was 23.2 mcg/L. Trans-anethol was detected in milk at all collection times, with the average concentrations of 2 mcg/L at 0 hours, 9.9 mcg/L at 2 hours, 9.2 mcg/L at 4 hours, 7.3 mcg/L at 6 hours and 4.3 mcg/L at 8 hours after the dose.

Milk samples were collected every 2 hours for 8 hours starting at the time of ingestion. Eighteen lactating women were given 100 mg of trans-anethol in a capsule on 3 test days. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Mothers should avoid fennel if they or their infants are allergic to carrots, celery, or other plants in the Apiaceae family because of possible cross-allergenicity.ĭietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Avoid excessive sunlight or ultraviolet light exposure while using this herbal. Elevated liver enzymes occurred in another woman taking Mother's Milk Tea, which contains fennel. Diarrhea and hepatomegaly occurred in a woman taking fennel, fenugreek, and goat's rue as galactagogues. Fennel can cause allergic reactions after oral or topical use affecting the respiratory system or skin, including photosensitivity. Excessive maternal use of an herbal tea containing fennel, anise and other herbs appeared to cause toxicity in 2 breastfed newborns that was consistent with toxicity caused by anethole, which is found in fennel and anise. Some sources recommend limiting the duration of treatment to 2 weeks. It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, so the smaller amounts in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses. Fennel is generally well tolerated in adults, and fennel oil is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Immersing the breast in a warm infusion of fennel seeds and marshmallow root has been suggested as a treatment for breast inflammation, but no scientific data are available that support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production. However, no increase in serum prolactin has been found with fennel use in nursing mothers. Two small studies found an increase in some parameters such as milk volume, fat content and infant weight gain with fennel galactogogue therapy. Fennel is a purported galactogogue that has been used in traditional medicine as well as being included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply. Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare) seeds contain the volatile oil composed largely of anethole, which is a phytoestrogen, as well as fenchone, estragole, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), and other constituents.

Celery seedlings newborns