Exclusive breastfeeding is the best nourishment for an infant. However, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding remains low to this day. The present work aims to improve the care of women suffering from hypogalactia through the use of pumpkin seeds. Indeed, squash seeds from the Cucurbitaceae family possessing elements characteristic of lactogenic plants are used for the production of milk according to nutritional surveys. To verify this claim, biochemical analyzes concerning proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ashes, dietary fibers were carried out. Also, the phytochemical parameters were measured. Furthermore, the prolactin level in treated female rats was investigated. The study revealed significant levels of proteins (22.31 ± 0.02 g/100g), lipids (50.56 ± 0.02 g/100g), carbohydrates (9 ± 0.12 g/100g), ash (3.33 ± 0.08 g/100g), dietary fiber (11.04 ± 0.02 g/100g). The results of the phytochemical screening reveal that the polyphenol content is 20.12 mgEQ/gDM) and that of flavonoids is 11.74 mgEAG/gDM. Furthermore, animal experiments revealed a significantly higher prolactin level in female rats having received Citrullus lanatus powder (57.44 ng/ml) compared to those treated with distilled water (5.38 ng/ml) and those who received galactogil (22.27 ng/ml). The results obtained could allow the use of the Citrullus lanatus plant through its seeds as a nutritional and lactogenic plant to combat malnutrition in infants.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and identify risk factors among children between 0 and 59 months year old witch were in consultation at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) for a post crisis period. To attend this objective, a prospective anthropometric survey descriptive type was made. The survey was held in 2013 from August the first to September the 30th. Although, we found a relative increase in the prevalence of malnutrition during the post-crisis period compared to a result of previous work, the most important factors of the increase of malnutrition were still the age of dietary diversification and the socioeconomic level of the family. Indeed, children who have been subjected to dietary diversification before the age of six months and those who leave in households with lower economic level were the most affected by malnutrition. It will be useful to practice exclusively breastfeeding during the first six months of children life. After six months, food diversification should be progressive. Medical follow-up of children born in the post-crisis period would be welcome to optimize their physical and intellectual development.