A Review on Galactogogic Properties of India's Rich Tradition of Medicinal Herbs and Spices for Lactation
Abstract
Throughout history, herbalists and traditional healers have wielded the power of plant-based remedies, an ancient practice now embraced by modern science. Delving into the therapeutic properties of conventional herbs and spices is a recent pursuit. Galactogogues, compounds known for their ability to heighten prolactin levels by modulating dopamine receptors, stand as agents amplifying milk production—a vital function for lactation. This study endeavors to meticulously explore medicinal spices and herbs recognized for their remarkable capacity to augment breast milk production. Methodologically, information pertaining to medicinal herbs and spices recognized for promoting lactation was extracted from reputable literature. A meticulous exploration across multiple academic databases, encompassing PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, was undertaken to authenticate the impacts of these medicinal plants on lactation, considering their identified pharmacological properties. The findings underscored the potency of Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Asparagus racemosus W., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Moringa oleifera L., Cuminum cyminum L., and Trachyspermum ammi L., contribute to increased lactation. They achieve this through mechanisms such as phytoestrogenic effects, vasodilation, stimulation of mammary growth, and facilitation of breast milk production. In conclusion, the fusion of traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific inquiry offers a promising avenue for discovering potent phyto pharmaceuticals that effectively boost breast milk production. Leveraging this amalgamation may yield impactful advancements in maternal health and lactation support.
Srikanth N, Manjula, Tewari D, Haripriya N, Mangal AK. Plant based galactogogues in ayurveda: a promising move towards drug development. World J Pharm Res 2015;4:687-705
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) State Factsheet Compendium_Phase-II. (2019-21). NFHS- 5 INDIA Key Indicators (ilsi-india.org). Accessed 29 April 2023.
Lawrence RA. A review of the medical benefits and contraindications to breastfeeding in the United States. In: Maternal and child health technical information bulletin. Arlington (VA): National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health 1997; pp 1-38.
Lawrence R. Host-resistance factors and immunologic significance of human milk. In: Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM, editors. Breastfeeding: a guide for the medical profession. St. Louis (MO): Mosby 1999; pp 159-195.
Nancy M. The breastfeeding answer book. La Leche League International 2006;42:262.
El Sakka A, Salama M, Salama K. The effect of fenugreek herbal tea and palm dates on breast milk production and infant weight. J Pediatr Sci 2014;6:202.
Hale TW, Hartmann PE. Hale & Hartmann’s Textbook of Human Lactation. Amarillo, TX: Hale Publishing; 2007.
World Health Organization. Relactación: revisión de la experiencia y recomendaciones para la práctica/Elizabeth Hormann y Felicity Savage. Genebra: OMS 1998.
Almeida JAG. Amamentação: um híbrido natureza-cultura. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Fiocruz 1999.
Giugliani ERJ. Problemas comuns na lactação e seu manejo. Jornal de pediatria 2004;80:s147-154.
Walker AR, Adam FI. Breast feeding in sub-Saharan Africa: outlook for 2000. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:285-292.
Suyati S, Roudhotul JS, Fitriani Y. The effect of date palm for the smoothness of breast milk on post partum maternal. Midwifery Department Faculty of Health Science Unipdu Jombang 2016;651-654.
Abascal K, Yarnell E. Botanical galactagogues. Altern Complement Ther 2008;14:288-294.
Ghasemi V, Kheirkhah M, Vahedi M, Darabpour Dezdarani S, Abed M. Comparison effect of herbals tea containing Fenugreek seed and fennel seed on the signs of breast milk sufficiency in iranian girl infants with 0-4 months of age. J Med Plants 2018;17:166-174.
Groleau D, Soulière M, Kirmayer LJ. Breastfeeding and the cultural configuration of social space among Vietnamese immigrant woman. Health Place 2006;12:516-526.
Kajale N, Khadilkar A, Chiponkar S, Unni J, Mansukhani N. Effect of traditional food supplements on nutritional status of lactating mothers and growth of their infants. Nutrients 2014;30:1360-1365.
Brodribb W. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol# 9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting maternal milk production, second revision 2018. Breastfeed Med 2018;13:307-314.
Buntuchai G, Pavadhgul P, Kittipichai W, Satheannoppakao W. Traditional galactagogue foods and their connection to human milk volume in Thai breastfeeding mothers. J Hum Lact 2017;33:552-559.
Del Ciampo LA, Ricco RG, Ferraz IS, Daneluzzi JC, Martinelli Junior CE. Aleitamento materno e tabus alimentares. Revista Paulista de Pediatria 2008;26:345-349.
Gonçalves AC, Bonilha ALL. Crenças e práticas da nutriz e seus familiares relacionadas ao aleitamento materno. Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem 2005;26:333- 344.
Ichisato SMT, Shimo AKK. Vivência da amamentação: lactogogos e rede de suporte. Ciência, Cuidado e Saúde 2006;5:355-362.
Donovan TJ, Buchanan K. Medications for increasing milk supply in mothers expressing breastmilk for their preterm hospitalised infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;3:CD005544.
Bazzano AN, Hofer R, Thibeau S, Gillispie V, Jacobs M, et al. A review of herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues for breast-feeding. Ochsner J 2016;16:511-524.
Zapantis A, Steinberg JG, Schilit L. Use of herbals as galactagogues. J Pharm Pract 2012;25:222-231.
Zandi P, Basu SK, Cetzal-Ix W, Kordrostami M, Chalaras SK, et al. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): an important medicinal and aromatic crop. . In H. A. El‐Shemy (Ed.), Active Ingredients from aromatic and medicinal plants. London: InTech 2017 pp 207-224.
Sun W, Shahrajabian MH, Cheng Q. Fenugreek cultivation with emphasis on historical aspects and its uses in traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical science. Mini- Rev Med Chem 2021;21:724-730.
Sahu U, Shah K, Chauhan NS. Potential Galactogogues: A Review. Int J Pharm Sci Nanotec (IJPSN) 2022;15:5726-5740.
Goyal RK, Singh J, Lal H. Asparagus racemosus-an update. Indian J Med Sci 2003;57:408-414.
Kumar S, Mehla RK, Dang AK. Use of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as a galactopoietic and therapeutic herb–A review. Agric Rev 2008;29:132-138.
Shakya SR. Medicinal uses of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) improves growth and enhances immunity in aquaculture. Int J Chem Stud 2015;3:83-87.
Wulandari ET, Wardani PK. Overview of the use of breast milk booster herbs (Galactagogues) in Wonosari village, Pringsewu Regency. Wellness Healthy Mag 2020;2:251-258.
Ghafari M, Shahraki ADF, Nasrollahi SM, Amini HR, Beauchemin KA. Cumin seed improves nutrient intake and milk production by dairy cows. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2015;210:276-280.
Mandegary A, Pournamdari M, Sharififar F, Pournourmohammadi S, Fardiar R, et al. Alkaloid and flavonoid rich fractions of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Food Chem Toxicol 2012;50:2503-2507.
Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother 2012;46:1392-1404.
Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health. Pharmacol Rev 2016;68:1026-1073.
Khan TM, Wu DBC, Dolzhenko AV. Effectiveness of Fenugreek as a galactagogue: A network meta‐analysis. Phytother Res 2018;32:402-412.
Turkyılmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, Turan O, Koç E, et al. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. J Altern Complement Med 2011;17:139-142.
Bahmani M, Shirzad H, Mirhosseini M, Mesripour A, Rafieian-Kopaei M. A review on ethnobotanical and therapeutic uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L). J Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2016;21:53-62.
Hudson T. Fenugreek seed tea improves breast milk sufficiency in infants. Townsend Letter 2017; p 109.
Rosalle E. Milking the information: Resources on herbal lactation aids. J Consum Health Internet 2015;19:93-99.
Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 7th ed. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier 2011.
Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact 2013;29:154-162.
Abdou RM, Fathey M. Evaluation of early postpartum Fenugreek supplementation on expressed breast milk volume and prolactin levels variation. Gaz Egypt Paediatr Assoc 2018;66:57-60.
Abdel-Rahman H, Fathalla SI, Assayed ME, Masoad SR, Nafeaa AA. Physiological studies on the effect of Fenugreek on productive performance of White New-Zealand rabbit does. Food Nutr Sci 2016;7:1276-1289.
Mahgoub AAS, Sallam MT. Effect of extract crushed fenugreek seeds as feed additive on some blood parameters, milk yield and its composition of lactating egyptian buffaloes. J Anim Poult Sci 2016;7:269-273.
Alamer MA, Basiouni GF. Feeding effects of Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) on lactation performance, some plasma constituents and growth hormone level in goats. Pak J Biol Sci 2005;8:1553-1556.
Sevrin T, Alexandre-Gouabau MC, Castellano B, Aguesse A, Ouguerram K, et al. Impact of Fenugreek on milk production in rodent models of lactation challenge. Nutrients 2019;11:2571.
Takahashi K, Bergström M, Frändberg P, Vesström EL, Watanabe Y, et al. Imaging of aromatase distribution in rat and rhesus monkey brains with [11C] vorozole. Nucl Med Biol 2006;33:599-605.
Gabay MP. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation. J Hum Lact 2002;18:274-279.
Huggins K. Fenugreek: One Remedy for Low Milk Production. 2012. Breastfeeding Online. Accessed 29 May 2023.
Dog TL. The use of botanicals during pregnancy and lactation. Altern Ther Health Med 2009;15:54-58.
Simbar M, Nazarpour S, Mojab F, Badr FK, Khorrami M, et al. A comparative study on the effects of “Honey and Fenugreek” with “Fenugreek” on the breast feeding success: a randomized trial. Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2022;2022:1-11.
Krishana L, Swarup D, Patra RC. An overview of prospects of ethno-veterinary medicine in India. Indian J Anim Sci 2005;75:1481-1491.
Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a versatile female tonic. Int J Pharma and Biolog Arch 2011;2:855-863.
Alok S, Jain SK, Verma A, Kumar M, Mahor A, et al. Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review. Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013;3:242-251.
Hajela R. Understand lactation and lactation failure: fight the curse of insufficient breast milk. Sch J Appl Med Sci 2015;3:3289-3301.
Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue, Acta Biomedica de l'Ateneo Par- mense 2008;79:205-210.
Gupta M, Shaw B. A double-blind randomized clinical trial for evaluation of galactogogue activity of asparagus racemosus Willd. Iranian J Pharm Res 2011;10:167.
Berhane MB, Singh VP. Effect of feeding indigenous galactopoietic feed supplements on milk production in crossbred cows. Indian J Anim Sci 2002;72:609-611.
Birla A, Satia M, Shah R, Pai A, Srivastava S, et al. Postpartum use of Shavari Bar® improves breast milk output: a double-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study. Cureus 2022;14:7.
Tangjitman K, Wongsawad C, Kamwong K, Sukkho T, Trisonthi C. Ethnomedicinal plants used for digestive system disorders by the Karen of northern Thailand. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2015;11:1-3.
Shadap A, Lyngdoh YA, Singh SK. Ginger as an alternative medicine to urban population–a review. J Pure Appl Microbiol 2018;12:1027-1031.
Bode AM, Dong Z. The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. CRC Press–Taylor and Francis Group, New York 2011; pp 131-156.
Rahmani AH, Aly SM. Active ingredients of ginger as potential candidates in the prevention and treatment of diseases via modulation of biological activities. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol 2014;6:125.
Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira M, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46:409-420.
Khairani AF, Adzdzikri TM, Menggala ST, Bashari MH, Rohmawaty E, et al. The potential of medicinal plants as galactagogue in Indonesia: A review from medical perspective. Biomed Pharmacol J 2021;14:1595-1612.
Fujisawa FU, Nadamoto TO, Fushiki TO. Effect of intake of ginger on peripheral body temperature. J Jpn Soc Nutr Food Sci 2005;58:3-9
Paritakul P, Ruangrongmorakot K, Laosooksathit W, Suksamarnwong M, Puapornpong P. The effect of ginger on breast milk volume in the early postpartum period: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Breastfeed Med 2016;11:361-365.
Chareankit AI, Nawawongkhampa A, Sopantragool K, Chaicharean DS. Effect of ginger drink on the quantity of lactation and flatulence in women after cesarean section delivery. Uttaradit Hosp Med J 2014;29:43-53.
Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med 2013;13:1-0.
Bumrungpert A, Somboonpanyakul P, Pavadhgul P, Thaninthranon S. Effects of Fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric supplementation on human milk volume and nutrient content in breastfeeding mothers: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. Breastfeed Med 2018;13:645-650.
Raja RR, Sreenivasulu M, Vaishnavi S, Navyasri DM, Samatha G, et al. Moringa oleifera-An overview. RA J Appl Res 2016;2:620-624.
Ninivaggi F. Ayurveda: a comprehensive guide to traditional Indian medicine for the west. Rowman and Littlefeld Publishers. Lanham 2010.
Fuglie LJ. Combating malnutrition with Moringa. Development potential for Moringa products: Tanzania 2001;1:1-4.
Sreelatha S, Jeyachitra A, Padma PR. Antiproliferation and induction of apoptosis by Moringa oleifera leaf extract on human cancer cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2011;49:1270-1275.
King J, Raguindin PF, Dans LF. Moringa oleifera (Malunggay) as a galactagogue for breastfeeding mothers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Philipp J Pediatr 2013;61:34-42.
Foong SC, Tan ML, Foong WC, Marasco LA, Ho JJ, et al. Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non‐ hospitalised term infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020;5:CD011505
Raguindin PFN, Dans LF, King JF. Moringa oleifera as a galactagogue. Breastfeed Med 2014;9:323-324.
Espinosa-Kuo CL. A randomized-controlled trial on the use of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) for augmentation of the volume of breastmilk among mothers of term infants. Filip Fam Physician 2005;43:26-33.
Estrella CP. Man tariffing JBV III, David GZ, Taup MA. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) for augmentation of the volume of breastmilk among non-nursing mothers of preterm infants. Philipp J Pediatr 2000;49:3-6.
Sumarni, Puspasari I, Mallongi A, Yane E, Sekarani A. Effect of moringa oleifera cookies to improve quality of breastmilk. Enferm Clin 2020;30:99-103.
Sulistiawati Y, Suwondo A, Hardjanti TS, Soejoenoes A, Anwar MC, et al. Effect of Moringa oleifera on level of prolactin and breast milk production in postpartum mothers. Belitung Nurs J 2017;3:126-133.
Kitchen dictionary. Food.com. http://www.food.com/library/cumin-20 (2014). Accessed 29 April 2023.
Fatima T, Beenish NB, Gani G, Qadri T, Bhat TA. Antioxidant potential and health benefits of cumin. J Med Plants Stud 2018;6:232-236.
Spices Board, India. www.indianspices.com (2016). Accessed 29 April 2023.
Srinivasan K. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds: traditional uses, chemical constituents, and nutraceutical effects. Food Qual Saf 2018;2:1-16.
Patil AK, Baghel RPS, Nayak S, Malapure CD, Govil K, et al. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): As a feed additive for livestock. J Entomol Zool Stud 2017;5:365-369.
Rathore SS, Saxena SN, Singh B. Potential health benefits of major seed spices. Int J Seed Spices 2013;3:1-2.
Sayed NZ, Deo R, Mukundan U. Herbal remedies used by Warlis of Dahanu to induce lactation in nursing mothers. Indian J Tradit. Knowl 2007;6:602-605.
Ranjeetha R, Vishnuvardhana, Ramegowda GK, Ramachandra RK, Sangeetha CG, et al. Insect pest spectrum on ajwain, Trachyspermum ammi L. genotypes under eastern dry zone of Karnataka. J Entomol Zool Stud 2020;8:786-789.
Kaur GJ, Arora DS. Bioactive potential of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi belonging to the family Umbelliferae-Current status. J Med Plant Res 2010;4:087-094.
Jeet K, Devi N, Narender T, Sunil T, Lalit S, et al. Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain): a comprehensive review. Int Res J Pharm 2012;3:133-138.
Kaur H. Estrogenic activity of some herbal galactogogue constituents. Indian J Anim Nutr 1998;15:232-234.
Yadav R, Kaushik R. A study of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological actions of trigonella foenum-graecum: a review. Int J Pharm Technol 2011;3:1022-1028.
Rai N, Yadav S, Verma AK, Tiwari L, Sharma RK. A monographic profile on quality specifications for a herbal drug and spice of commerce-Cuminum cyminum L. Int J Adv Herb Sci Technol 2012;1:1-2.
Pandey SK, Sahay A, Pandey RS, Tripathi YB. Effect of Asparagus racemosus rhizome (Shatavari) on mammary gland and genital organs of pregnant rat. Phytother Res 2005;19:721-724.
Estrella MC, Jacinto Bias III V, David GZ, Taup MA. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) for augmentation of the volume ofbreastmilk among non-nursing mothers of preterm infants. Phillipp J Pediatr 2000;49:3-6.
Paritakul P, Ruangrongmorakot K, Laosooksathit W, Suksamarnwong M, Puapornpong A. The effect of ginger on breast milk volume in the early postpartum period: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Breastfeed Med 2016;11:361-365.
Miri VH, Tyagi AK, Ebrahimi SH, Mohini M. Effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed extract on milk fatty acid profile and methane emission in lactating goat. Small Rumin Res 2013;113:66-72.
Jain M, Pahuja A, Singh EP, Chandra S. Traditional Galactogogues and the practices related to their use by post-natal women of India. Mal J Med Health Sci 2024;20:143-151.
Files | ||
Issue | Vol 9, No 3, 2024 | |
Section | Review Article(s) | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v9i3.16535 | |
Keywords | ||
Galactogogues Traditional medicine Lactation Breastfeeding Breast milk |
Rights and permissions | |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |