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This semi-synthetic derivative of the ergo group of ergot alkaloids is a
dopamine receptor agonist (for those who like precise detail it is a
potent D2 agonist but also displays partial action on D1 receptors) and
a prolactin inhibitor.
Its first major anti-aging use is the enhancement of dopamine, (a key
brain neurotransmitter that undergoes an age-related decline). Past the
age of 40 it is estimated that “on-average” the healthy person
undergoes a dopamine decline of approximately 13% per decade
(Ward, Fowkes & Morgenthaler). Accordingly, some neurologists have
stated that “if we all live long enough we shall all become senile.” This
is due to the fact that abnormally low levels of dopamine (70% to 80%
loss) are then diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, hence protection and
enhancement of the dopamine producing neurons is a key strategy for
anti-aging medicine. Not surprisingly then, bromocriptine is used in
conjunction with other drugs (such as deprenyl and L-dopa) in the
management of Parkinson’s disease, but anti-aging medicine
considers its preventative properties too.
Its second major anti-aging use is the inhibition of prolactin, this
hormone is one of the few that actually appears to increase with age.
Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and its release is inhibited
by bromocriptine.
Prolactin has been described as a “fat synthesis hormone” because
one of its primary functions is to trigger lactation (milk production) and
weight gain in pregnancy. In women, bromocriptine has been used to
help restore ovulation (the process by which this action occurs is too
complex to explain for this small article) but it also helps to reduce
serum prolactin levels in men (although the precise role of prolactin in
men is unclear).
A further possible need to control age-related prolactin levels is offered
by some researchers who believe that prolactin is an immune system
suppressant.
Bromocriptine also affects the most famous of all pituitary hormones-
growth hormone (GH). Bromocriptine increases growth hormone
secretion in individuals with normal growth hormone concentrations, but
paradoxically suppresses GH secretion in some patients with
acromegaly (a condition of excessive-production of GH). Studies
indicate that bromocriptine does not affect the release of any other
anterior pituitary hormones.
Due to its dopamine enhancement bromocriptine has even been cited
as an aphrodisiac, although little effort has been made to study and
confirm this action. There have been several reports of “better
controlled” orgasms and “almost orgasms” before the real orgasm
occurs. If any countries allow for more medical categories such as
“weak orgasm syndrome” or perhaps “clinical sex-drive loss” then
dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine are going to receive a lot of
attention from the pharmaceutical manufacturers, especially in the wake
of Viagra sales.
Another interesting clinical study administered a component of tobacco
called DMBA to rats at a level where it is known to be very effective in
producing breast cancer. However, rats that had been pretreated with
bromocriptine completely avoided any cancer development.
Bromocriptine therefore appears to also offer itself as a very potent free
radical quencher.
One of the most recent studies indicates that bromocriptine may be a
candidate for the treatment of Type-2 diabetes. This is because
bromocriptine has been shown to suppress lipogenesis and improve
glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.
One animal study suggested that a further action of bromocriptine is to
alter CNS (central nervous system) regulating metabolism and as such
has another important use in helping to prevent weight gain (this would
be in addition to its improvement of diabetic conditions).
Dosages, Side Effects, Contraindications
Bromocriptine is a very potent substance and it mustn’t be used by
pregnant or lactating women unless under the guidance of a physician.
Side effects include nausea, dizziness, lowering of blood pressure,
hypotension and confusion. The first three are relatively common,
especially when undertaking initial use. It is also known to increase
fertility, and thus “extra care” and contraception is advised where
necessary.
It does contraindicate with psychoactive and hypotensive drugs and
other dopamine enhancing drugs (such as deprenyl and L-dopa etc)
should only be administered concurrently under a physician’s guidance.
Its effects can also be exaggerated when combined with other ergots
including Hydergine and nicergoline.
Overall, there is little need to exceed a dosage in excess of 1.25mg or
2.5mg daily for most people unless treating a serious medical disorder
(and therefore only under a physician’s guidance). Bromocriptine has a
wide and diverse range of clinically applications, it should be
considered to only be an anti-aging medicine for the serious longevist.
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