Bromocriptine reduces the level of the hormone prolactin by affecting the pituitary gland. It is sometimes used to treat conditions in which there is too much prolactin, such as certain forms of PMS and infertility.
Theoretical Interference with Drug Action
The herb chasteberry inhibits prolactin secretion and might have unpredictable effects if combined with bromocriptine.1–4
Milewicz A, et al.
Vitex agnus-castus
extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.
Arzneimittelforschung
43(7): 752–756, 1993.
Jarry H, et al. In vitro prolactin but not LH and FSH release is inhibited by compounds in extracts of
Agnus-castus:
Direct evidence for a dopaminergic principle by the dopamine receptor assay.
EYP Clin Endocrinol
102: 448–454, 1994.
Sliutz G, et al.
Agnus-castus
extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells.
Horm Metab Res
25(5): 253–255, 1993.
Schulz V, et al. Rational phytotherapy. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1998: 241–242.
Last reviewed July 2012 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
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