Comparative Study of the Effects of Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) and Cabergoline on Idiopathic Hyperprolactinemia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Chamomile is a fascinating plant quoted in several traditional medicine texts, which hasbroad-spectrum pharmacological activity and medicinal uses. The aim of this study was toassess the efficacy of chamomile syrup in reducing serum prolactin in women with idiopathichyperprolactinemia. The study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial that was conductedon 56 women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia for a study period of four weeks. Patientswere randomly enrolled in two parallel arms and were treated by chamomile syrup at a doseof 5 mL twice daily or cabergoline tablet orally at a dose of 0.25 mg twice weekly. Serumprolactin levels were measured at baseline and the end of the 4-week study period. Any reportof adverse events was also recorded. Results revealed that within the cabergoline group thereduction in the mean prolactin level was significantly greater than that of the chamomilegroup (p <0.0001). It was also found that decline in the mean prolactin level was statisticallysignificant within the chamomile group (p <0.0001). Chamomile syrup seems to be effectiveon serum prolactin reduction in women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. However, studieswith a larger sample size and for a longer follow-up period are recommended.