Research shows that in pregnant mice with metabolic disorders, a combination of plant extract (Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide) and probiotics significantly restored protective compounds in breast milk called sialylated oligosaccharides, with the combination treatment outperforming either approach alone. According to Gram Research analysis, the synergistic treatment worked by restoring energy production in mammary glands and increasing activity of genes responsible for creating these beneficial milk compounds. However, these findings are from animal studies and human trials are needed before any recommendations for pregnant women.
A new study found that a plant extract called Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide, combined with beneficial bacteria called probiotics, may help pregnant mice with metabolic problems produce breast milk with more protective compounds for their babies. According to Gram Research analysis, the combination treatment worked better than either approach alone by fixing problems in how the body processes fats and produces energy. These findings suggest a potential natural strategy to support maternal health during pregnancy and improve milk quality for infants, though human studies are still needed to confirm these results.
Key Statistics
A 2026 animal study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that combining Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide with probiotics significantly restored sialylated milk oligosaccharides in pregnant mice with metabolic disorders, with the combination treatment outperforming either single intervention.
Research in mice demonstrated that synergistic treatment with plant extract and probiotics restored ATP energy production in mammary gland cells and upregulated ST3GAL1 gene expression, jointly facilitating production of protective milk compounds.
The study showed that combined PSP and probiotic treatment modulated glycerophospholipid and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, addressing key metabolic pathways disrupted during gestational metabolic dysfunction in mice.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a plant extract combined with probiotics could help pregnant mice with metabolic problems produce breast milk with more beneficial compounds for their babies.
- Who participated: Laboratory mice with gestational metabolic disorders, a condition similar to gestational diabetes in humans where pregnancy causes problems with how the body processes blood sugar and fats.
- Key finding: Mice treated with the plant extract plus probiotics showed significant restoration of protective milk compounds called sialylated oligosaccharides, with the combination treatment outperforming either treatment alone.
- What it means for you: This research suggests a potential natural approach to support maternal metabolic health during pregnancy, which may improve breast milk quality. However, these results are from animal studies and human trials are needed before any recommendations can be made for pregnant women.
The Research Details
Researchers used laboratory mice to test whether Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP), a compound extracted from a plant, combined with probiotics (beneficial bacteria) could help pregnant mice with metabolic problems. The scientists first identified PSP as a promising candidate by testing it with mammary gland cells in a lab dish. They then gave PSP and probiotics to pregnant mice with metabolic dysfunction and measured changes in their milk composition, body metabolism, and gene expression after birth.
The study examined how PSP and probiotics worked together by looking at specific biological pathways, particularly how the body processes fats and produces energy in the mammary glands. Researchers measured levels of protective compounds in the milk, energy production in mammary gland cells, and activity of genes responsible for creating these protective compounds.
This research approach is important because it combines multiple scientific methods to understand how maternal health affects milk quality. By testing in both cell cultures and living animals, researchers could identify promising treatments and understand the biological mechanisms behind how they work. This multi-step approach helps ensure findings are reliable before considering human studies.
This is a laboratory animal study published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Animal studies provide valuable early evidence but cannot directly prove effects in humans. The researchers used established mouse models of gestational metabolic disorders, which are recognized as relevant for understanding human pregnancy complications. However, results from mice do not automatically translate to humans, and human clinical trials would be necessary to confirm safety and effectiveness.
What the Results Show
Mice receiving the combination of PSP and probiotics showed significant improvement in their metabolic health during pregnancy and restored levels of protective milk compounds called sialylated oligosaccharides after giving birth. The combination treatment outperformed either PSP alone or probiotics alone.
The researchers discovered that the combination treatment worked by fixing problems in how the mammary glands process fats and produce energy. Specifically, the treatment restored ATP (the energy currency of cells) in mammary gland tissue and increased activity of a gene called ST3GAL1, which is responsible for adding protective sugar molecules to milk compounds.
The study showed that restoring energy production and increasing ST3GAL1 gene activity worked together to boost production of sialylated oligosaccharides. These compounds are important because they help protect infants’ digestive systems and support healthy immune development.
The research identified specific metabolic pathways that the combination treatment affected, including glycerophospholipid and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism. These pathways are important for cell energy production and overall metabolic health. The study also demonstrated that PSP and probiotics worked synergistically, meaning together they produced better results than the sum of their individual effects.
This research builds on previous studies showing that maternal metabolic health affects milk composition and infant health. The novel contribution is demonstrating a specific mechanism through which a plant extract and probiotics together can restore milk quality in the context of gestational metabolic disorders. The focus on the gut-mammary axis (the connection between digestive health and breast milk production) represents a newer understanding of how maternal microbiome health influences milk composition.
This study was conducted in laboratory mice, not humans, so results may not directly apply to pregnant women. The sample size and specific number of mice used were not detailed in the abstract. The research does not address whether PSP and probiotics are safe for pregnant women or whether they would produce the same effects in humans. Long-term effects on infants were not studied. Additionally, the study does not compare PSP and probiotics to standard medical treatments for gestational metabolic disorders.
The Bottom Line
Based on this animal research, PSP and probiotics show promise as a potential supportive strategy for maternal metabolic health during pregnancy. However, confidence in human application is currently low because only animal studies have been conducted. Pregnant women should not use PSP supplements or probiotics specifically for this purpose without consulting their healthcare provider, as human safety and effectiveness data are not yet available.
This research is most relevant to pregnant women with gestational metabolic disorders, healthcare providers treating gestational diabetes or metabolic complications of pregnancy, and researchers developing new treatments for pregnancy-related metabolic problems. Breastfeeding mothers interested in optimizing milk quality should discuss any supplements with their doctor. This research is not yet applicable to the general public without further human studies.
If this research eventually leads to human treatments, benefits would likely need to be sustained throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period to affect milk composition. The timeline from animal studies to approved human treatments typically requires 5 to 10 years of additional research, clinical trials, and regulatory review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pregnant women take Polygonatum sibiricum and probiotics to improve breast milk quality?
Current evidence comes only from animal studies, not humans. Pregnant women should not use these supplements for this purpose without consulting their healthcare provider. Human clinical trials are needed to establish safety and effectiveness before any recommendations can be made.
What are sialylated oligosaccharides and why do they matter in breast milk?
Sialylated oligosaccharides are protective sugar compounds in breast milk that help support infant digestive health and immune system development. They act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut. Maternal metabolic health during pregnancy affects how much of these compounds are produced.
How does the gut microbiome affect breast milk composition?
The gut-mammary axis describes how maternal gut bacteria and digestive health influence milk production and composition. A healthy microbiome supports proper metabolism and energy production in mammary glands, which affects the types and amounts of protective compounds in milk.
Is this research applicable to gestational diabetes?
This study used mice with gestational metabolic disorders, a condition similar to gestational diabetes. However, results from animal studies do not automatically apply to humans. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should follow their doctor’s treatment recommendations and discuss any supplements before use.
When will this research lead to treatments for pregnant women?
Animal studies typically require 5 to 10 additional years of human clinical trials and regulatory review before treatments become available. Researchers must first conduct safety studies in humans, then effectiveness trials, before any supplement could be recommended for pregnant women.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Users could track maternal metabolic markers during pregnancy, including blood glucose levels, weight gain patterns, and energy levels, to monitor metabolic health. If future human studies support PSP and probiotic use, users could log supplementation timing and correlate with metabolic measurements.
- Once human evidence becomes available, users could set reminders for consistent probiotic supplementation and track dietary intake of prebiotic foods that support beneficial gut bacteria. Users could also monitor and log symptoms of gestational metabolic disorders to discuss with healthcare providers.
- Long-term tracking could include periodic metabolic health assessments during pregnancy, postpartum metabolic recovery, and infant health outcomes if mothers choose to breastfeed. Users could maintain a timeline of any supplements used and maternal health outcomes to share with healthcare providers.
This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans. Pregnant women should not use Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide, probiotics, or any supplements based on this animal research without consulting their healthcare provider. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Women with gestational metabolic disorders should follow their doctor’s recommended treatment plan. Always discuss any supplements or dietary changes with your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.