Effects of a blend extract of Sauropus androgynus, Moringa oleifera, and Coleus amboinicus on milk production in lactating rats.

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 Sauropus androgynus, Moringa oleifera, and Coleus amboinicus, 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 S. androgynus, M. oleifera, and C. amboinicus 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 (p < 0.05), suggesting its potential as a galactagogue.

Conclusion: The blended extract of S. androgynus, M. oleifera, and C. amboinicus may stimulate milk production by modulating prolactin expression and mammary gland morphology.