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

BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the novel galactopoietic effect of P. scutellaria extract (PSE) in lactating rats for three weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: PSE-rich polyphenols are promising galactopoietics by orchestrating Prl and Oxt and reducing the mortality of pups.