A Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions on Galactogogues in Lactogenic Insufficiency

Lactogenic insufficiency is a multifactorial condition of inadequate breast milk production that challenges successful breastfeeding and infant nutrition. Galactogogues include pharmaceutical agents, herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, and other natural bioactives, which are widely used to enhance lactation; however, their clinical utility varies. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of lactogenic insufficiency, the classification of galactogogues, and their proposed mechanisms. Dopamine antagonists enhance lactation through prolactin, but raise safety and tolerability concerns. Herbal and dietary galactogogues show promise through hormonal modulation, mammary stimulation, and antioxidant activity; however, clinical evidence is heterogeneous. Marine-derived bioactives and functional foods are novel but insufficiently explored. Standardized formulations, well-designed clinical trials, and mechanistic studies are needed to establish safe and effective galactogogue-based interventions.