An Herbal Galactagogue Mixture Increases Milk Production and Aquaporin Protein Expression in the Mammary Glands of Lactating Rats

Abstract

Background. Herbal galactagogues have been increasingly used to treat postpartum hypogalactia. The mechanism of action of herbal galactagogues remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an herbal galactagogue mixture on milk production and aquaporin (AQP) expression in lactating rats. Methods. Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into virgin, lactating + H2O, and lactating + galactagogue groups (n = 10 per group). Lactating rats were administered the decoction of an herbal galactagogue mixture by oral gavage or the same amount of distilled water. Results. The herbal decoction significantly increased milk production in lactating rats (P < 0.05). Both immunohistochemical staining and western blot showed that protein levels of AQP-3 and AQP-5 were significantly increased during lactation compared with virgin stage and the herbal decoction further elevated their expression (P < 0.05). AQP-1 was predominantly expressed in the capillaries whereas AQP-3 and AQP-5 were mainly detected in the epithelial cells and ducts of the mammary glands. Conclusion. The expression of AQPs in the mammary glands of rats was developmentally regulated. Herbal galactagogues might have increased milk secretion by regulating the expression and function of AQPs in the mammary glands.

Fenugreek Stimulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Milk Synthesis and Milk Flow through Modulation of Insulin/GH/IGF-1 Axis and Oxytocin Secretion

“…Otherwise, the stimulation by fenugreek of genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism ( Cs , Atp5f1a , Mtco1 ) and particularly those involved in β-oxidation ( Cpt1a , Acads ) suggests that increased ATP synthesis took place in the mammary gland to meet the increased energy requirements associated with increased milk production [ 22 ]. Nevertheless, contrary to Liu et al [ 55 ], we were unable to observe a significant increase in water inflow in response to galactagogue even though mean Aqp1 and Aqp3 expressions were increased at L12 and L21.…”

Maternal Knowledge and Use of Galactagogues in Andean Communities of Cusco, Peru

“…The molecular mechanisms underlying the action of herbal galactagogues remain unknown. Recently, Liu et al (2015) showed in animal models that herbal galactagogues may increase milk secretion by regulating mammary glands' expression and function of aquaporins (AQPs -a family of membrane proteins facilitating water movement across cell membranes). Nevertheless, the existing clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of galactagogues remains insufficient (Zapantis et al 2012).…”

Which Benefits and Harms of Using Fenugreek as a Galactogogue Need to Be Discussed during Clinical Consultations? A Delphi Study among Breastfeeding Women, Gynecologists, Pediatricians, Family Physicians, Lactation Consultants, and Pharmacists

“…Therefore, interventions to increase human milk supply using pharmacological agents might be complicated by safety concerns to women and their infants. Traditionally, herbal remedies have been viewed as good alternatives to prescription medications [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Anecdotal reports of many herbal remedies supported their potential to enhance human milk supply. These herbal remedies include fenugreek, anise, caraway, fennel, milk thistle, and many others [ 16 , 18 , 21 ]. Fenugreek ( Trigonella arabica Delile) which belongs to the pea family (Leguminosae) is the most widely used herbal galactogogue to enhance human milk supply in many countries [ 22 ].…”