Quercetin improves postpartum hypogalactia in milk-deficient mice via stimulating prolactin production in pituitary gland

The Aqueous Extract of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni Improves the Lactation-Promoting Effect in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells through the PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway

Insufficient milk supply is a widespread issue faced by women globally and associated with a higher risk of health problems in infants and mothers. Hemerocallis citrina Baron, commonly known as daylily, is a perennial edible plant often used in traditional Asian cuisine to promote lactation. However, the active compound(s) and mechanism of its lactation-promoting effect remain unclear. This study aimed to confirm the traditional use of daylily in promoting lactation and investigate its potential active components and underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that the aqueous extracts of H. citrina Baroni (HAE) significantly enhanced milk production, and the serum levels of lactation-related hormones, and promoted mammary gland development in lactating rats, as well as increased the levels of milk components in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) (p < 0.05). UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS analysis revealed that hexamethylquercetin (HQ) is the representative flavonoid component in HAE, accounting for 42.66% of the total flavonoids. An integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis suggested that HQ may be the potential active flavonoid in HAE that promotes lactation, possibly supporting lactation by binding to key target proteins such as STAT5A, PIK3CA, IGF1R, TP53, CCND1, BCL2, INS, AR, and DLD. Cell experiments further demonstrated that HQ could promote cell proliferation and the synthesis of milk proteins, lactose, and milk fat in BMECs. Transcriptomic analysis combined with a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) revealed that both HAE and HQ exert a lactation-promoting function mainly through regulating the expression of key genes in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Selenomethionine Promotes Milk Protein and Fat Synthesis and Proliferation of Mammary Epithelial Cells through the GPR37-mTOR-S6K1 Signaling

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is an important nutrient, but its role in milk synthesis and the GPCR related to SeMet sensing is still largely unknown. Here, we determined the dose-dependent role of SeMet on milk protein and fat synthesis and proliferation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs), and we also uncovered the GPCR-mediating SeMet function. At 24 h postdelivery, lactating mother mice were fed a maintenance diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg SeMet, and the feeding process lasted for 18 days. The 10 mg/kg group had the best increase in milk production, weight gain of offspring mice, and mammary gland weight and acinar size, whereas a higher concentration of SeMet gradually decreased the weight gain of the offspring mice and showed toxic effects. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the mammary gland tissues of mother mice in the 10 mg/kg SeMet treatment group and the control group. A total of 258 DEGs were screened out, including 82 highly expressed genes including GPR37 and 176 lowly expressed genes. SeMet increased milk protein and fat synthesis in HC11 cells and cell proliferation, mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation, and expression of GPR37 in a dose-dependent manner. GPR37 knockdown decreased milk protein and fat synthesis in HC11 cells and cell proliferation and blocked SeMet stimulation on mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SeMet can promote milk protein and fat synthesis and proliferation of MECs and functions through the GPR37-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway.

Polyphenols: Secondary Metabolites with a Biological Impression

Polyphenols are natural compounds which are plant-based bioactive molecules, and have been the subject of growing interest in recent years. Characterized by multiple varieties, polyphenols are mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Currently, many diseases are waiting for a cure or a solution to reduce their symptoms. However, drug or other chemical strategies have limitations for using a treatment agent or still detection tool of many diseases, and thus researchers still need to investigate preventive or improving treatment. Therefore, it is of interest to elucidate polyphenols, their bioactivity effects, supplementation, and consumption. The disadvantage of polyphenols is that they have a limited bioavailability, although they have multiple beneficial outcomes with their bioactive roles. In this context, several different strategies have been developed to improve bioavailability, particularly liposomal and nanoparticles. As nutrition is one of the most important factors in improving health, the inclusion of plant-based molecules in the daily diet is significant and continues to be enthusiastically researched. Nutrition, which is important for individuals of all ages, is the key to the bioactivity of polyphenols.

Polyphenols and Lactation: Molecular Evidence to Support the Use of Botanical Galactagogues

Botanicals and herbal supplements contain a diverse array of polyphenols that may affect mammary gland function and promote galactagogue activity. This scoping review is conducted to identify scientific literature elucidating how polyphenols affect mammary gland biology and cellular mechanisms critical for lactation. A literature search of PubMed and Medline reviews relevant studies in dairy animals, rodent models, and cultured mammary epithelial cells that are published from January 2010 until July 2023, to ascertain effects of polyphenols on mechanisms regulating milk production and composition. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Review) strategy is applied and 80 studies on polyphenols and their implications on milk production and composition are included in this review. Limited information delineating effects of polyphenols on the molecular pathways that affect lactation are found, although available information suggests modulation of Stat5 signaling/differentiation, Stat3 signaling/remodeling, mTOR and insulin signaling/energy production, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκβ) signaling/oxidative stress and inflammation may play roles. A profound lack of mechanistic information underscores the critical need for further research to understand the impact of botanical supplements and polyphenols on milk production and composition in humans to establish maternal nutritional guidelines to support lactation and breastfeeding goals.

Advancing breastfeeding promotion: leveraging integrative natural galactagogues and unveiling their potential roles-Insights from a 19-year Taiwan nationwide registry to address lactation insufficiency in postpartum women

Background

Lactation insufficiency is a prevalent challenge for nursing mothers globally. There is a growing interest in the use of herbal galactagogues for enhancing lactation, but their therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms need thorough investigation. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of herbal galactagogues in addressing lactation insufficiency by utilizing real-world data and employing a network analysis approach.

Methods

Our retrospective study used Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000) to identify 490 patients diagnosed with lactation insufficiency from 2000 to 2018. We analyzed demographic characteristics, co-existing diseases, and prescription patterns for both users and non-users of Chinese herbal products (CHP). Additionally, we utilized a network analysis approach to explore potential compounds and targets in the most frequently used CHP, the Wang Bu Liu Xing and Lu Lu Tong herb pair (WLHP) combination.

Results

Out of 490 patients, 81% were CHP users. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between CHP users and non-users, but we observed a notable divergence in the prevalence of co-existing diseases. A detailed examination of CHP prescriptions revealed the predominance of WLHP, prompting further investigation. Comprehensive analysis identified 29 major compounds in WLHP, which were associated with 215 unique targets. Intersection analysis revealed 101 overlapping targets between WLHP and lactation, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets for lactation insufficiency treatment. Topological analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network identified 13 hub genes potentially crucial for the therapeutic effect of WLHP. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these targets were involved in critical lactation regulation pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the potential of CHP, specifically the WLHP combination, in managing lactation insufficiency. The multi-compound, multi-target approach of WLHP and its interaction with key biological processes and signaling pathways offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effects. These findings warrant further experimental validation and can guide future research and clinical applications of CHP in lactation insufficiency treatment.

Codonopsis lanceolata polysaccharide ameliorates high-fat diet induced-postpartum hypogalactia via stimulating prolactin receptor-mediated Jak2/Stat5 signaling

This study aims to investigate the ameliorative effect of Codonopsis lanceolata polysaccharide (PCL) on mice with hypogalatia induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the potential underlying mechanism. We found that oral administration of PCL demonstrated significant benefits in countering the negative effects of HFD, including weight gain, hepatic steatosis, mesenteric adipocyte hypertrophy, and abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism. In addition, PCL improved mammary gland development and enhanced lactogenesis performance. Histologically, PCL ameliorated the retardation of ductal growth, reduced mammary fat pad thickness, improved the incomplete linear encapsulation of luminal epithelium and myoepithelium, and increased the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PCL mitigated the detrimental effects of HFD on mammary gland development by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that PCL upregulated the levels of prolactin (PRL) and its receptor (PRLR) in the mammary gland, activated JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway, and increased the expression of p63, ERBB4, and NRG1. Overall, PCL can ameliorate HFD-induced hypogalactia by activating PRLR-mediated JAK2/STAT5 signaling. Our findings offer a methodological and theoretical foundation for investigating the functional constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypogalactia.

Soybean Isoflavones Ameliorates Lactation Performance in Postpartum Mice by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Regulating Gut Microflora

Postpartum dysgalactiae syndrome (PPDS) is one of the key issues affecting breastfeeding, usually occurring as breast swelling, a low milk yield, and at length a stop of breast milk secretion. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diet therapy in treating or preventing PPDS. This study aims to analyze the effect of soybean isoflavone (SIF), a natural estrogen found in plants, on postpartum lactation performance in mice and to evaluate its potential as a treatment for PPDS. Adult female BALB/c mice at 8 weeks of age (25 ± 3 g) are randomly divided into four groups fed with different levels of SIF and a normal diet for 14 days. SIF (0, 50, 100, 200 mg kg-1 BW) is provided via intra-gastric route to the experimental mice. Using a high-throughput sequencing of microbial diversity and mammary gland metabolites, it is found that SIF-treated mice potentially show an improved milk performance via enhanced antioxidant capacity and altered gut microbiota. SIF from plant sources at a high dosage promotes the lactation in normal postpartum mice.

Effects of increasing levels of orange peel extract on kit growth, feed utilization, and some blood metabolites in the doe rabbits under heat stress conditions

One of the most severe consequences of climate change on the rabbit production sector is heat stress. Dietary supplementation of phytochemicals could alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on rabbits. Thirty-six V-line rabbit does with average live body weight (LBW) of 2.672 ± 0.031 kg were randomly allocated into three experimental groups as follows: the control group (OPE0) and the OPE2.5 and OPE5 groups were orally administered orange peel extract (OPE) at doses of 2.5 and 5 mL/doe. The increasing OPE levels significantly improved LBW at partum (p = 0.002) and weaning (p = 0.004), daily and total feed intake from pregnancy until weaning (p = 0.007), daily milk yield per doe at 7th and 14th days (p ≤ 0.05), and milk efficiency (p = 0.001). Litter size at 1st-28th days, litter weight gain, survival rate, and kit weight gain at 21st-28th days of heat-stressed doe rabbits were significantly improved with OPE treatments. The treatment of OPE5 significantly decreased serum glucose, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels of rabbits. The increasing OPE levels decreased significantly total lipid and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and increased (p = 0.001) high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration in heat-stressed rabbits. In conclusion, the treatment of OPE improved feed utilization, milk efficiency, and reproductive performance and alleviated the drastic impacts of heat stress on rabbits.

Freeze-dried powder of daylily bud improves bromocriptine-induced lactation disorder in rats via JAK2/STAT5 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Milk deficiency is a prevalent problem in the world. Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Borani), called the Chinese mother flower, is a traditional vegetable and is believed to possess a galactagogue effect in China. Flavonoids and phenols are considered as the active ingredients of daylily to promote lactation and improve depression.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the prolactin effects of freeze-dried powder of flower buds of H. citrina Baroni in rat and its action mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of flower buds of H. citrina Baroni treated by different drying techniques were analyzed by ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model induced by bromocriptine was used to evaluate the effect of freeze-dried powder of daylily buds on promoting lactation. Network pharmacology method, ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot were used to clarify the action mechanisms.

RESULTS

We detected 657 compounds in daylily buds. The relative contents of total flavonoids and phenols in freeze-dried samples were higher than those in dried ones. Bromocriptine, as a dopamine receptor agonist, can significantly inhibit prolactin in rats. Daylily buds can restore the levels of prolactin, progesterone and estradiol depressed by bromocriptine, effectively improve the milk production of the rat, and promote the repair of rat mammary gland tissue. We analyzed the relationship between the chemical components of daylily buds and the genes related to lactation with network pharmacology method, revealing that flavonoids and phenols may be the active components that promoted milk production via JAK2/STAT5 pathway, which was confirmed by the results of qPCR and Western blot. Daylily buds can increase the mRNA expression of PRLR, CSN2, LALBA and FASN and the protein expression of PRLR, JAK2 and STAT5.

CONCLUSION

Daylily buds can improve the insufficient lactation of rats induced by bromocriptine through PRLR/JAK2/STAT5 pathway, and the freeze-dried processing method may better retain the active components of flavonoids and phenols that promote milk in daylily.

The protective effect of aqueous orange peel extract against severe heat stress on reproductive efficiency, milk yield, and antioxidant status of female rabbits

Heat stress in rabbits negatively affects their reproductive ability and milk yield. Aqueous orange peel extract (AOPE) is high in potential natural antioxidants that help avoid free radical damage and is a good source of phytochemicals. Based on these benefits, it was hypothesized that oral administration of AOPE could overcome the negative impacts of severe heat stress on reproductive and lactation performance, physiological parameters, and antioxidant status. To determine the protective effect of AOPE, 36 female rabbits (six-months-old, average body weight of 2.67 ± 0.03 kg) were given 1.50 mL water (control), and 2.50 or 5.00 mL AOPE every two days for four months. Oral AOPE administration significantly reduced the respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) during pregnancy and lactation. The reproductive performance (litter size) and productive performance (litter weight and litter weight gain) were significantly increased by AOPE treatment, compared with the control. The highest milk yield was recorded in 5.00 mL AOPE treatment (5.00 mL). AOPE treatments significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and AOPE treatment (5.00 mL) lowered serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) of heat-stressed rabbits. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was not affected by AOPE treatment. The addition of AOPE improved reproductive performance, physiological parameters, and antioxidant status, but did not have a beneficial effect on conception rate of female rabbits under severe heat stress.

Evidence for Quercetin as a Dietary Supplement for the Treatment of Cardio-Metabolic Diseases in Pregnancy: A Review in Rodent Models

Quercetin supplementation during pregnancy and lactation has been linked to a lower risk of maternal cardio-metabolic disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), dyslipidemia, preeclampsia, attenuation of malnutrition-related conditions, and gestational obesity in animal studies. Pre-clinical studies have shown that maternal supplementation with quercetin reduces cardio-metabolic diseases in dams and rodents’ offspring, emphasizing its role in modifying phenotypic plasticity. In this sense, it could be inferred that quercetin administration during pregnancy and lactation is a viable strategy for changing cardio-metabolic parameters throughout life. Epigenetic mechanisms affecting the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3 K) pathways could be associated with these changes. To highlight these discoveries, this review outlines the understanding from animal studies investigations about quercetin supplementation and its capacity to prevent or decrease maternal and offspring cardio-metabolic illnesses and associated comorbidities.

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.

Dietary Intake of Polyphenols Enhances Executive/Attentional Functioning and Memory with an Improvement of the Milk Lipid Profile of Postpartum Women from Argentina

Puerperium may lead to memory and executive/attentional complaints that interfere with women’s daily life. This might be prevented by dietary compounds, such as neuroprotective polyphenols. Their bioactivity depends on their effects on lipid metabolism in different tissues, such as the brain, fat, and breast. Thus, a polyphenol-related cognitive improvement may be associated with changes of lipids in human milk, which are key for infant neurodevelopment. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 postpartum women from Córdoba (Argentina), involving several neuropsychological tests. Diet was registered to identify polyphenol intake and food pattern adherence, with sociodemographic and other psychological variables (insomnia, stress, subjective cognitive complaints) being also studied. Triacylglycerols, cholesterol, and their oxidative forms were analyzed as milk biomarkers. Multivariate statistical methods were applied. Results confirmed that women who consumed polyphenols presented better executive/attentional performance (i.e., higher correct responses, conceptual level responses, complete categories, verbal fluency; lower attentional interferences, and perseverative errors) and word retention with lower interference. Polyphenols were positively associated with milk lipids, which were higher in women with better cognition. Furthermore, they had lower oxidized triacylglycerols. In conclusion, polyphenolic intake during postpartum may improve executive/attentional functioning, memory, and milk lipid profile.

Lactation Activity and Mechanism of Milk-Protein Synthesis by Peptides from Oyster Hydrolysates

Oyster meat has a tender texture and delicate flavor, and the oyster is an aquatic shellfish with high nutritional and economic values. As they are rich in protein, oysters serve as a good source for the preparation of bioactive peptides. However, research on the lactation effect and mechanism of the synthesis of polypeptides from oyster hydrolysates is yet to be observed. This study aimed to analyze the lactation activity of the fraction UEC4-1 and explore its mechanism. The results show that, in an in vivo experiment, UEC4-1 could significantly increase the concentration of PRL in the serum and mammary tissue and the concentration of PRLR in the mammary tissue in rats with postpartum hypogalactia. UEC4-1 promoted the development of mammary tissue structure, resulting in active lactation. UEC4-1 promoted the proliferation of MCF-10A in a dose-dependent manner and could significantly upregulate the gene expression levels of PRL, PRLR, CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN3 and CCND1. UEC4-1 could also significantly increase the expression of mTOR, AKT1, RPS6KB1 and STAT5A in MCF-10A and improve its phosphorylation level. These results show that UEC4-1 had the ability to upregulate the proliferation and PRL synthesis of MCF-10A and promote lactation. The ability of UEC4-1 to regulate the milk-protein synthesis signaling pathway is the mechanism behind this. Oysters had a remarkable effect on lactating mothers’ sweating irritability after childbirth and may serve as an everyday diet to promote lactation. Postpartum dysgalactia is a common problem for lactating women. The study of the oyster’s lactation-active peptide can provide dietary nutrition guidance for postpartum lactating mothers, and it has the potential to be used for the development of drugs for the treatment of postpartum hypogalactia or oligogalactia.

Study and Experimental Validation of the Functional Components and Mechanisms of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni in the Treatment of Lactation Deficiency

The function of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (daylily) on promoting lactation is reported in several ancient Chinese medicine books. However, nowadays, there is no conclusive data to support this statement. In this study, we investigated the effect of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni extract (HCE) on lactation insufficiency in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) dams and further explored the mechanism and functional components through network pharmacology. The results showed that HCE could increase the offspring’s weight, serum prolactin (PRL), and oxytocin (OT) level of CUMS dams. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the facilitation of HCE on lactation is the result of the comprehensive action of 62 components on 209 targets and 260 pathways, among this network, quercetin, kaempferol, thymidine, etc., were the vital material basis, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitogen activity protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), tumor protein P53 (TP53), etc., were the core targets, and the prolactin signaling pathway was the core pathway. In addition, verification test results showed that HCE regulated the abnormal expression of the prolactin signaling pathway, including STAT3, cyclin D1 (CCND1), MAPK1, MAPK8, nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 subunit (NFKB1), and tyrosine-protein kinase (JAK2). In conclusion, HCE exhibited a facilitation of lactation insufficiency, in which quercetin, kaempferol, thymidine, etc., were the most important material basis. The mechanism of this promotional effect is mediated by the prolactin signaling pathway in mammary gland.

Ethanol Extract of Carica papaya Leaf Can Increase Breast Milk in Lactating Rat

BACKGROUND: Carica papaya leaves (Carica papaya L) have been used empirically and traditionally as a galactogogue, but their mechanism as galactogogue is still unknown. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the effect of ethanol extract from papaya leaves on blood prolactin levels, prolactin receptor (prlr) gene expression, the number of breast alveoli and lobes of lactating rats. METHODS: This in vivo true experimental study with a post-test control group design was conducted on 24 rats with the same lactating period. They were divided into four groups consisting of six rats each. The control group was given daily standard food, whereas the three treatment groups were, respectively, given additionally ethanol extract of 0.95 mg, 1.9 mg, and 3.8 mg/200 g BW/day from day 1 to day 14 of lactation. On day 14, all of the rats were sacrificed, blood prolactin levels were measured by ELISA, prlr gene expressions were measured using RT-PCR, and numbers of breast alveoli and lobes were microscopically observed through staining histological specimens. A statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, Games–Howell test, and path analysis at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Levels of blood prolactin levels, prlr gene expression, the number of breast alveoli, and lobes of all treatment rat groups were significantly above those of the control group (p < 0.05). The increases of all parameters were consistent; the most effective dose was 1.9 mg/200 g BW. CONCLUSION: The Carica papaya leaf ethanol extract had a galactogogue effect on lactating rats by increasing blood prolactin levels, prlr gene expression, and numbers number of breast alveoli and lobes.