THE EFFECT OF TAKING \SHIRAFZA DROPS\ BY MOTHERS ON THE WEIGHT GAIN OF INFNTS UP TO THE AGE OF SIX MONTHS

This prospective, double - blind clinical trial is intended to study the effect of taking "Shirafza Drop" by mothers on the weight gain of infants up to age of six months. 158 nursing mothers, referring to Mashad Health Clinics and suffering from insufficient breast milk were randomly selected for the study and assigned into "Shirafza" and placebo groups. The infants of these mothers did not have a normal development curve despite their exclusive breastfeeding. The control group received placebo or solution of chlorophyl in alcohol; while the "Shirafza" group was given the alcoholic extraction of six milk increasing plants including Foeniculum Volgar, Pimpinella Anisum, Cuminum Cyminum, Nigella Sativa, Anetom Gravolen and Petroselinum Crispum. The drops were given in three separate dosages of 30 drops per day for four weeks. Relevant data were gathered through questionnaires and follow - up forms; their height and weight were also measured. Student t-test and chi-square were utilized to ensure the homogeneity of variables intervening with the infants" weight gain; t - test was used to compare their weight gain. Covariance analysis was also used to study the effects of "shirafza" on the intervening variables. Data aualysis was done in SPSS. No significant differences were found to exist between the mean weight gain of "Shirafza" group (471±322 gr) and control group (554±321gr) at the end of different weeks. However, the comparison of their weight gain in the first and second trimesters (26 gr/day vs. 17 gr/ day respectively) indicated that infants older than 3 months had achieved minimum amount of weight gain.