effective galactagogue for dairy cows, the F. D. A. might take a 
dim view of adding a drug orally to cattle feed which would 
show up in milk for human consumption — unless it were 
completely metabolized in the liver or in the intestinal tract. 
In order to gain approval of drug regulatory agencies in most 
countries, it would be necessary to measure the level of the 
product (ixbut) and its metabolites in milk. An adequate safety 
ratio would have to be determined: all major metabolic prod- 
ucts should be checked to determine their toxicoligical effects 
on at least two species of animals, with the drug adminstered 
over a period of several years. Extreme caution would be 
necessary. 
CONCLUSION 
Ixbut, Euphorbia lancifolia, is a potentially important, natu- 
ral galactagogue of Central American origin, worthy of further 
chemical and pharmacological study. 
This medicinal herb has been used for centuries in 
Guatemala, in Maya medicine, to increase the flow of milk in 
postpartum, lactating mothers. If used in moderation, it seems 
to have no toxic side effects in humans. 
Ixbut, when mixed with cattle fodder, is reputed to have 
increased milk yields in cows. 
Since the active principle of ixbut has never been isolated, 
considerable research would be necessary before any valid 
conclusions could be drawn concerning its future importance 
in medicine or in the dairy industry. 
The voucher collection of leaves of Euphorbia lancifolia 
upon which this article is based (Frederic Rosengarten, Jr. s. 
n., July 10, 1979, Guatemala City, Guatemala) has been depo- 
sited in the Botanical Museum of Harvard University. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
I wish gratefully to acknowledge the valued cooperation and 
orientation of Dr. Manuel Serrano, Universidades 
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