A Case of Thrombocytopenia Caused by Gynostemma Pentaphyllum

The clinical harm of thrombocytopenia is significant, including bleeding, anemia, thrombosis, and increased risk of infection. Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a prominent traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically utilized to treat various conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hepatic fibrosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and other disorders. This report details a case of a cerebral infarction patient who developed significant thrombocytope-nia following treatment with Gynostemma pentaphyllum. This case underscores the importance of monitoring platelet counts in patients using Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

The patient's platelet counts were measured using a fully automated blood cell counter. Her whole blood cell concentrations were assessed before and after discontinuation of Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

Initial blood tests revealed leukocyte and platelet concentrations of 3.27 x 109/L and 6.0 x 109/L, respectively, after the patient had used Gynostemma pentaphyllum continuously for over three months. Post-discontinuation, two subsequent blood tests showed leukocyte counts of 5.26 x 109/L and 5.52 x 109/L, and platelet counts rebounded to 156 x 109/L.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum may induce thrombocytopenia. Patients on long-term therapy with this medication should have their platelet levels closely monitored.