Project Abstract

Inadequate breast-milk production remains a common challenge for postpartum mothers, particularly in low-resource settings where access to skilled lactation support and affordable pharmacological breast-milk–boosting supplements is limited. Across Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa, women traditionally rely on plant-based preparations to support lactation, with Moringa oleifera leaves and Solanum melongena (eggplant) fruits frequently cited for their nutritional and functional benefits. Despite widespread use, these botanicals lack standardized formulation, quality specifications, and formal safety validation for maternal use.

This study aims to develop and conduct laboratory-based safety validation of a standardized herbal syrup formulated from Moringa oleifera and Solanum melongena. Using locally cultivated plant materials, the project will undertake phytochemical profiling and marker identification using validated analytical techniques (UV-Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC), followed by formulation of a stable, organoleptically acceptable syrup. Physicochemical properties (pH, viscosity, total solids, stability) and microbial quality will be evaluated in alignment with WHO and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. Acute oral toxicity will be assessed using OECD Guideline 423 to establish LD₅₀ ranges, NOAEL estimates, and health-risk margins relevant to postpartum use.

By bridging ethnobotanical knowledge with pharmacognostic science and international quality frameworks, this study will generate a reproducible, safety-validated herbal lactation syrup. The findings will provide an evidence base to support responsible integration of culturally accepted breast-milk–boosting supplements (galactagogues) into maternal-nutrition programs and future regulatory pathways in Uganda.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr Atwine Raymond

Co- Principal Investigator: Dr Atwine Daniel.

Collaborations: The Study will be implemented by Mbarara University of Science and Technology in collaboration with SRF Research and Training Centres, Mbarara, Uganda.

Funding Source: Internal Research funds-DRGT

Duration: 10 months

Start date: October 2025

Expected End date: June 2026