Potential Lactogenic Effects in Extract Combinations of Carica papaya.L and Sauropus androgynus Leaves

Galley Proof The leaves of Carica papaya and Sauropus androgynus are known to increase breast milk production (lactogenic). This study aimed to determine the lactogenic effect of the combination of leaf extracts from C. papaya and S. androgynus on breast milk production, oxytocin, and prolactin hormone levels. The Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 4 rats. The groups were as follows: negative control; C. papaya leaf extract (ECP) 72 mg/kg BW; S. androgynus leaf extract (ESA) 81 mg/kg BW; combination of ECP 72 mg/kg BW + ESA 81 mg/kgBW; combination of ECP 72 mg/kg BW + ESA 162 mg/kg BW; combination of ECP 144 mg/kg BW + ESA 81 mg/kg BW. Treatments commenced from day 3 to day 15 of lactation. Milk production was determined by daily weighing of pup weight changes. Blood oxytocin and prolactin hormone levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Breast milk production significantly increased in the group receiving the combination of ECP 144 mg/kg BW + ESA 81 mg/kg BW compared to the other treatment groups. After treatment, blood oxytocin and prolactin hormone levels significantly increased in the groups receiving the combination of ECP 144 mg/kg BW + ESA 81 mg/kg BW and ECP 72 mg/kg BW+ESA 81 mg/kg BW compared to the before treatment (p < 0.05). The combination of C. papaya and S. androgynus leaf extracts enhances breast milk production, oxytocin and prolactin hormones. © 2025 Kurniati et al.