Herbal galactagogues to improve breastmilk production and lactation in mothers of preterm babies: a systematic review of clinical trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #lactation #infant-premature #milk-human #female

Herbal galactagogues to improve breastmilk production and lactation in mothers of preterm babies: a systematic review of clinical trials

Cragg et al., 2026 | Eur J Clin Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Cragg Aislinn, Levene Ilana, ... Willcox Merlin. Herbal galactagogues to improve breastmilk production and lactation in mothers of preterm babies: a systematic review of clinical trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2026-Feb;80(2):146-158. doi:10.1038/s41430-025-01679-x

Abstract

Premature infants suffer from conditions such as necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis, whose risk is reduced by breastmilk. Rates of breastfeeding are lower in premature infants compared to term infants. Insufficient breastmilk is the most commonly cited reason for breastfeeding termination. Herbal medicines are commonly used for promoting breastmilk production, but their safety and efficacy are unclear. We wanted to assess whether specific herbal galactagogues can safely and effectively increase lactation in mothers who delivered prematurely. Six databases were searched (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, COCHRANE library, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) with no language or date restrictions. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of herbal galactagogue use in preterm infant mothers. Ten RCTs were included, each investigating a different galactagogue or mixture. Two scored 'high' for risk of bias, the remainder scored 'some concerns'. There was low certainty evidence of an increase in milk volumes by day 7 of the intervention period with barley malt and lemon balm (mean difference 149 ml, 95% CI: 38-260); silymarin in combination with phosphatidylserine and Galega (mean difference 105 ml, 95% CI: 27-183); Pimpinella anisum seed tea (mean difference 98 ml, 95% CI: 63-133); and Latuca sativa (lettuce) syrup (mean difference 82 ml, 95% CI: 60-105). There is a lack of high-quality RCTs on herbal galactagogues within the preterm population. There is low certainty evidence that Barley malt with lemon balm, silymarin phytosomes with Galega, Pimpinella anisum seed tea, Moringa oleifera leaf capsules and Latuca sativa (lettuce) syrup increase breastmilk production. Higher-quality trials are needed to confirm this effect.

Key Findings

Higher-quality trials are needed to confirm this effect.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Lactation
  • Infant, Premature
  • Milk, Human
  • Female
  • Galactogogues
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Breast Feeding
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Hordeum
  • Plant Preparations
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Review
  • Vertical: milk-thistle

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09