The risk of thrombocytopenia with CAM

When the number of platelets in the blood is low — thrombocytopenia — it’s more difficult for blood to clot. Early signs of thrombocytopenia include bruising, and bleeding from the nose or into the gastrointestinal tract.

Researchers from the College of Medicine University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, in Oklahoma City reviewed interactions between platelets and CAM, herbals, nutritional supplements, foods, and beverages.

First, the details.

• 27 articles reported the occurrence of thrombocytopenia with 25 substances (other than quinine).

And, the results.

• 6 articles reported evidence that supported a cause and effect association between thrombocytopenia and the following substances.
  • Cow’s milk
  • Cranberry juice
  • Jui (Chinese herbal tea)
  • Lupinus termis bean
  • Tahini (pulped sesame seeds)
• Other studies point to additional interactions. However, the association is less clear.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded that the risk of low platelet levels during treatment with CAM, herbals, nutritional supplements, foods, and beverages is rare.

However, the appearance of bruising or bleeding in people taking any of the above substances should lead to a risk/benefit assessment of the treatment, and blood testing in order to rule out the presence of excessively low platelet levels.

1/13/10 20:28 JR