Comparison of Efficacy of Vitex Agnus Castus Ovitex and Bromocriptine in The Management of Hyperprolactinemia

Abstract

Objective:   This study is a randomised control trial aimed at comparing bromcriptine and vitex agnus castus in terms of control of prolactin levels and incidence of side effects.

Methodology: This randomized control trial study was conducted at  Maternal and Child Health Centre PIMS Islamabad.  Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used; as the purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of two drugs given for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia; so, the sample size of 88 participants were categorized into two groups i.e. Group A and Group B. Group A was given vitex agnus castus while Group B was treated with bromocriptine. The hormonal analysis was performed before and after one month of therapy. All the patients of both groups were called in OPD after one week for assessment of side effects and after one month for prolactin levels. After the data collection procedure, the data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Outcome variables efficacy and side effects were presented by frequency and percentages, performing chi-square test. Efficacy was measured in terms of symptomatic improvement, number of side effects and severity of side effects.

Results:  According to the results of the study it was noted that there was no significant (p-value > 0.05) difference between both groups on the basis of Prolactin and LH levels when compared between both drug groups after treatment. Higher rate of side effects was observed in Bromocriptine group as compared with Vitex Agnus Castus Ovitex group.

Conclusion: It is concluded that Vitex agnus castus has efficacy equal to bromocriptine but has less side effects. However, the dose and side effects in some cases should be considered, but on the whole, these drugs are effective.