Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Its Role as a Galactagogue – Integrating Ayurvedic Wisdom and Contemporary Evidence

Abstract

Leptadenia reticulata (Jivanti), a classical Jeevaniya and Stanyajanana drug of Ayurveda, is widely used to enhance lactation. This systematic review consolidates classical references, botany, phytochemistry, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, preclinical and clinical evidence, risk of bias, and GRADE assessment of its galactagogue activity. Fifty-four records (41 finally cited) were included after screening 1 065 initial hits. Key phytoconstituents include flavonoids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, pregnane glycosides and mucilaginous polysaccharides acting through prolactin elevation, mild phytoestrogenic effect, mTOR pathway activation and gut–mammary axis modulation. Pharmacokinetic studies show moderate bioavailability and excellent safety. Seven clinical and nine preclinical studies consistently demonstrate significant increases in milk yield (48–78 %), serum prolactin and infant weight gain. Using Cochrane RoB-2 and SYRCLE tools, three clinical trials were judged low risk of bias. GRADE assessment rates evidence for increased milk production and infant weight gain as Moderate and safety as High. L. reticulata is affirmed as a safe, effective, evidencebased herbal galactagogue.