I found it interesting that it contains fennel, fenugreek and marshmallow
along with the cardamom and Noni(leaves), the latter two of which are listed
in Sheila's book but not as galactogogues. My question: is the galactogogue
usefulness more the first three herbs combined than the two that are popular
by reputation? 

Sheila is the real expert, so I asked her to comment. Here is her reply,
which she said I could post:

Don't know much about noni leaves but from what I have read, consumption of
the juice has more tradition behind it in Polynesia.
Found one description of traditional use ( report based on McClatchey 2002,
Integrative Cancer Therapies) that included this: lactation promotion
(heated leaves topically), postnatal health of mother (leaves applied
topically). 
Traditionally, the leaves were used externally, not internally. It would
have been reassuring to see a traditional and extensive internal use of the
leaf. 

THe plant has many active constituents of interest (flavonoids, iridioid
compounds, and many more), and a list of uses that reflects
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects: a panacaea.

Apparently French authorities recently advised consumers to limit daily
intake of noni fruit juice to 30 mL per day (one popular brand label lists
this as the dose limit). Several cases of liver problems have occured in
association with use of noni juice products. Toxicity concerns are not noted
from traditional sources. 

Noni's reputation suffers from tons of hype and variable product quality.
Yet the herb is esteemed. It is still regarded as a mainstay of traditional
medicine in many areas of the Pacific. It is being actively studied. Based
on a quick review of it's known constituents, I would suggest combination
with pharmaceuticals should be reviewed by a knowledgeable pharmacologist
first. 


Sheila Humphrey
BSc RN IBCLC

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