Integrative analysis of herbal galactagogue USE among lactating mothers in chennai: linking clinical practice, hormonal response, and molecular mechanisms through network pharmacology
Abstract
Objectives: This study integrates clinical, endocrine, and bioinformatic tools to investigate frequently utilised herbal galactagogues among South Indian mothers and their prospective molecular targets.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed involving 125 lactating mothers visiting the well-baby clinic at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre from June 2025 to September 2025. Patterns of galactagogue use were evaluated through a structured questionnaire. Serum prolactin levels were measured in all participants and the values were compared across different types of galactagogues. Simultaneously, a network pharmacology analysis was conducted for essential phytoconstituents (allicin, diosgenin, trigonelline, quercetin, and kaempferol) derived from frequently used herbs. We used the SwissTargetPrediction, SearchTool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes, Cytoscape, and database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery databases, to make target prediction and pathway enrichment.
Results: About 91.2% of the mothers reported using galactagogues, with 60.5% using homemade herbal mixtures and 34.2% using supplements. The users showed higher median serum prolactin levels than non-users. The bioinformatics work uncovered 20 shared molecular targets tied to lactation processes. Among them, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor, AKT1, and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) stood out as central hub genes. Pathway enrichment pointed…
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