Effects of a Blend Extract of , , and on Milk Production in Lactating Rats

Overview

Journal Open Vet J

Date 2025 Feb 10

PMID 39927372

Authors

Putri Reno Intan

Sukmayati Alegantina

Ani Isnawati

Nanang Yunarto

Fitrine Ekawasti

Ratih Rinendyaputri

Sunarno Sunarno

Yulvian Sani

Sela Septima Mariya

Ekowati Handharyani

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is vital for infant health, providing essential nutrients and protection against infections. Despite the benefits, many postpartum women face challenges in breastfeeding due to hypogalactia caused by stress, anxiety, or maternal illness. While medications, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, are sometimes prescribed to increase milk supply, they are limited due to safety concerns. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative nonpharmacological interventions, including herbal galactagogues. Plants, such as , , and , have shown potential in enhancing milk production due to their unique lactogenic properties.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the influence of a combination of , , and extracts on milk production while assessing whether these extracts possess galactagogue properties.

Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups at parturition. Each group, comprising six dams, was assigned a specific dose of 37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg of the blended extract orally for 20 days postpartum, with one group serving as the control. Mammary glands were harvested and assayed for prolactin expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results: The results showed that while the rate of milk production did not increase linearly with the duration of lactation, rats treated with the blended extract at a dose of 75 mg/kg exhibited higher milk production than the control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased prolactin expression in the mammary glands of rats treated with blend extract at 37.5 mg/kg ( < 0.05), suggesting its potential as a galactagogue.

Conclusion: The blended extract of , , and may stimulate milk production by modulating prolactin expression and mammary gland morphology.

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