Effects of Kami-kihi-to (Jia-Wei-Gui-Pi-Tang) on Autoantibodies in Patients wth Chronic Immune Thrombocytopedic Purpura

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American Journal of Chinese Medicine Vol. XXI, Nos. 3-4, pp. 251-255

K. Yamaguchi, H. Kido, T. Kawakatsu, T. Fukoroi, M. Suzuki, M. Yanabu, S. Nomura, T. Kokawa and K. Yasunaga

The First Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan

Abstract: We studied the effect of Kami-kihi-to (Jai-Wei-Gui-Pi-Tang) on the production of autoantibodies in ten patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. After administration of Kami-kihi-to, platelet count was increased in seven of the ten patients (p<0.05). Using Western blotting, we demonstrated the disappearance of autoantibody reaction with the antigen in one patient. However, platelet associated IgG was decreased in eight of ten patients (p<0.05). Kami-kihi-to appears to promote the suppresssion of autoantibodies in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. No side effects were observed in any patient. Thus, Kami-kihi-to may be a useful and safe drug in the management of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.