Lactogenic activity of ethanolic extract of Pluchea indica Less leaf in lactating rats

Introduction: The leaves of Pluchea indica (L.) Less is empirically used to enhance milk production. This study aimed to evaluate the lactogenic effect of ethanolic extract of P. indica leaves (EPI) on milk production, prolactin, cortisol, oxytocin levels, and histological changes of mammary tissue in lactating rats and weight gain of their pups. Methods: Twenty-five lactating rats with six pups were randomized into five groups. The groups were control (reverse osmosis water), standard (domperidone ۲.۵ mg/kg BW), and EPI (۲۵۰, ۵۰۰, and ۷۵۰ mg/kg BW). The daily treatments were administered by oral gavage, starting from the second day until day ۱۵ of parturition. Milk production and the weight of the pups were measured daily. Serum prolactin, cortisol, and oxytocin levels in the lactating rats were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Histomorphological alterations of mammary tissues were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA tests and P<۰.۰۵ was considered significant. Results: The daily milk production in groups treated with domperidone and EPI at doses of ۵۰۰ and ۷۵۰ was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<۰.۰۵). Weight gain of the pups of dams that received domperidone and EPI at doses ۵۰۰ and ۷۵۰ mg/kg BW was significantly higher than controls (P<۰.۰۵). EPI ۵۰۰ insignificantly increased both prolactin and oxytocin, insignificantly decreased cortisol levels, and insignificantly enhanced both numbers of alveoli and branching alveoli with milk secretion (P>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Pluchea indica leaves revealed lactogenic activity in lactating rats.