[Clinical evaluation of cepharanthin for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]

Twenty-two patients with steroid-unresponsive idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were treated with cepharanthin, biscoclaurin alkaloid. Cepharanthin was administered orally at a daily dose of 40 mg. Continuous elevation of platelet counts of 6.6-15.0 x 10(4)/microliters and 3-5 x 10(4)/microliters was attained in five and two patients, respectively, 1 to 4 months after the administration. Treatment with cepharanthin might be worth attempting in refractory ITP.