Potential Galactagogue Effect of Tri-Than-Thip Remedy on Milk Synthesis in Lactating Rats: Impact on Milk Production-Related Parameters

Int J Med Sci. 2023 Jul 24;20(9):1135-1143. doi: 10.7150/ijms.83869. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Herbal galactagogues have been widely used as a treatment for postpartum hypogalactia due to the potential side effects associated with pharmacological therapy. Tri-Than-Thip (Tri-TT) is a Thai herbal medicine remedy that contains three main components: Cassia fistula, Pithecellobium dulce, and Ficus benjamina. These components are believed to have properties that contribute to milk production. However, despite the traditional use of Tri-TT, there is a lack of academic evidence supporting its efficacy in enhancing milk production. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Tri-TT on milk production and determine if it has a galactagogue effect. The weight suckle weight model was used to determine total milk production in lactating rats, while histological analysis was performed to assess the alveolar diameter of the mammary gland. The findings of this study revealed a significant increase in total milk production among lactating rats treated with 500 mg/kg of Tri-TT, compared to the control group. Furthermore, both the Tri-TT and Domperidone-treated groups exhibited a larger alveolar diameter of the mammary gland in comparison to the control group. In summary, these findings provide supportive evidence for the galactagogue activity of Tri-TT. The observed enhancement in milk production may be associated with Tri-TT could potentially be attributed to its ability to widen the alveolar diameter of the mammary gland, thereby facilitating increased milk volume.

Keywords: Thai herbal medicine; Tri-Than-Thip remedy; galactagogue; hypogalactia; lactating rats; milk production.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Galactogogues* / adverse effects
  • Lactation
  • Milk*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Galactogogues