Lactogenic effect of Polyscias scutellaria extract to maintain postpartum prolactin and oxytocin in lactating rats

Hypogalactia remains a challenge for mother to complete exclusive breastfeeding. Shield aralia (Polysicias scutellaria) has been used by Indonesian society to increase breast milk production.

This study aimed to elucidate the novel galactopoietic effect of P. scutellaria extract (PSE) in lactating rats for three weeks.

PSE were assayed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity. The secondary metabolites of PSE were determined by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). After parturition, dams were randomly divided into four groups: lactating rats (LR) + distilled water (LRO), LR + Asifit, and LR + PSE at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (BW). Virgin rats served as the control group. The treatments were given for 14 days.

There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity among the three solvents. LC-HRMS revealed 22 compounds greater than 70 of the best-match, which were categorised as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and lignan. PSE increased the weight gain and survival rate of pups from our 3-week observation. Serum Prl was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in lactating rats treated with PSE 250 mg/kg BW at the first and third weeks than in the LRO group. Oxt serum was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in lactating rats treated with PSE (500 mg/kg BW) in the first and second weeks than in the LRO group.

PSE-rich polyphenols are promising galactopoietics by orchestrating Prl and Oxt and reducing the mortality of pups.