Polyherbal Formula Increases Milk Production in Lactating Rats
A new study has found that a polyherbal formula (PHF) called ASILACT may induce galactagogue activity in lactating rats by upregulating -lactalbumin (LALBA) and aquaporin (AQP) gene expression at messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in mammary glands.
PHF contains extract of Sauropus androgynous (L.) Merr., Trigonella foenum-graceum L., and Moringa oleifera Lam., which have been traditionally used in Asia and Africa to promote lactation.
The research, conducted by Geneham Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., aimed to evaluate the galactagogue activity of PHF and its effects on LALBA and AQP gene expression in lactating rats.
Thirty lactating Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats with seven pups each. Group I was treated with distilled water as a negative control, while groups II, III, and IV were orally administered with PHF at 26.25, 52.5, and 105mg/kg/day, respectively.
Group V was treated with domperidone, a commonly used galactagogue drug, at 2.7mg/kg/day, orally as a positive control. The treatment was performed from the third to the fifteenth day post-parturition.
The study measured milk yield of lactating rats, pup weight changes, lactating rats body weight changes during lactating period, mRNA expression of LALBA and AQP using quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and histopathological analysis of mammary glands at the end of the treatment period.
The results showed that the PHF groups (52.5 and 105mg/kg/day) and domperidone significantly increased milk production of lactating rats, with the groups receiving the higher doses of PHF having a stronger effect. The mRNA expression of LALBA and AQPs were also significantly upregulated by the administration of PHF or domperidone.
Histopathological analysis of mammary glands showed that alveoli diameter increased by 14.59 and 19.33% at 105mg/kg of PHF and 2.7mg/kg of domperidone treatment, respectively.
The study concludes that PHF has the potential to induce galactagogue activity in lactating rats by upregulating LALBA and AQP genes at the mRNA level. These findings suggest that PHF could be a potential natural alternative for increasing milk production in lactating women.
"We are pleased with the positive results of this study, which reinforce our commitment to developing natural and safe solutions for lactating women," said the spokesperson of Geneham Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Established in 2006, Geneham Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a professional natural plant extract solution provider with strong strength and rich experience of research, developing, cultivation, manufacturing, and marketing. The company is dedicated to creating effective and natural solutions that promote health and well-being.
The findings of this study will likely lead to further research and development of PHF as a potential galactagogue treatment for lactating women. It also highlights the importance of natural and safe solutions for promoting lactation, which can have significant benefits for both the mother and the infant.