Abstract

PLANT BASED GALACTOGOGUES IN AYURVEDA: A PROMISING MOVE TOWARDS DRUG DEVELOPMENT

N. Srikanth, Manjula, Devesh Tewari*, N. Haripriya and Anupam K. Mangal 

Abstract

The importance of Breast feeding has been acknowledged by Indians since antiquity and recognized importance of certain medicinal plants for augmentation of Breast milk. Detailed descriptions concerning the physiology of milk formation and ejection, diseases interfering the quality, quantity breast milk and their management are embodied in Ayurvedic literatures. Explication of the bygone knowledge about plant drugs indicated for their Galactogogue effect scattered elsewhere in ancient and medieval Ayurvedic literature is pivotal for further research and drug development. For rational and evidence based use and development of safe, effective and acceptable pharmacological dosage forms, it is essential to understand the mode of action of these plant drugs based on their traditional use, principles mentioned in Ayurveda texts and also by applying contemporary pharmacological thoughts.

Keywords: Breast milk, augmentation, galactogogue, Ayurveda, medicinal plants.