Chemotherapy can sometimes cause a decrease in platelet count, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and other complications. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, including low platelet count. There are some limited scientific evidences to support the use of Chinese herbal medicine to increase low platelet count in individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
Table of Centents
How can Chinese herbal medicine help?
Our registered Chinese medicine practitioners will assess your whole body’s health condition, make a Chinese medicine Pattern Diagnosis. According to the severity of the low platelet count and suggest appropriate herbal formula and treatment course.
Chinese herbal medicine may be used in conjunction with other treatments, but this should be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Research and reviews
A study observe clinical effects of Shen Cao granules on thrombocytopenia in patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. It found that Shen Cao granules were effective in decreasing chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, shortened the duration of thrombocytopenia, and reduced the length of hospital stay and costs. [1]
A study published in 2018 has done on Chang Gung platelet elevating formula (CGPEF), a prescription with a fixed proportion of Chinese herbs, for improving CIT among gynecologic cancer patients. The research found that CGPEF is a potentially effective treatment for Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT). Although this study is relatively small without untreated control, it demonstrated that the median platelet nadir count after CGPEF treatment (C2) was significantly higher than before (C1). Further well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a larger number of subjects can be done based on these preliminary results.[2]
One systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 12 randomized controlled trials of Chinese herbal medicine for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. The authors found that Chinese herbal medicine was effective in increasing platelet count and reducing the risk of bleeding.
It’s important to note that while these studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine may be effective in increasing platelet count in individuals with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the safety and effectiveness of specific herbs and formulas.
In summary, while Chinese herbal medicine that have been traditionally used to increase platelet count, It’s also important to seek guidance from your doctor and see a registered Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Reference
- Chunfeng Yu, MS, Wei Liu, MS, Yuejun Mu, MS, Aihua Hou, MS, and Yin Li, MS. Effects of Shen Cao Granules on Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Integrative Cancer TherapiesVolume 18, January-December 2019.
- Yi-Hong Wu, 1 , 2 , 3 Hsing-Yu Chen, 1 , 2 , 4 Chyong-Huey Lai, 3 , 5 Chein-Shuo Yeh, 6 Jong-Hwei S. Pang, 4 Jian-Tai Qiu, 3 , 5 Hung-Hsueh Chou, 3 , 5 Lan-Yan Yang, 5 , 7 and Yu-Bin Pan 7. Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine Improves Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia among Gynecological Cancer . Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018; 2018: 4201325.
- Li YX, Li Q, Liang AH, et al. Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in improving platelet count among patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17(1):235. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1738-8