An unusual immune thrombocytopenia case associated with dietary supplements containing 3G (Green tea, Ginseng and Guarana)

• DOI: 10.15275/rusomj.2020.0307
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01T15:58:44Z
• Authors: Mehmet Zahid Kocak; Gulali Aktas; Satilmis Bilgin; Tuba T. Duman; Ozge Kurtkulagi; Burcin Atak; M. Emin Demirkol; Elif Bulut Yilmaz
• Keywords: Medicine (General); 03 medical and health sciences; R5-920; 0302 clinical medicine; secondary itp; green tea; thrombocytopenia; ginseng; guarana; 3. Good health

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is caused by autoantibodies to platelet antigens. Ginseng, a herbal remedy, inhibits platelet aggregation as well as green tea and guarana. We present a case of secondary ITP due to food supplement that contains ginseng, guarana and green tea, which is not previously reported in medical literature. A 39-year-old man was admitted to our clinic because of 2 days history of oral mucosal hemorrhage and recently developed skin lesions on extensor surfaces of bilateral upper extremity and both ankles. Platelet count was 5,470/mm3. He was diagnosed with secondary ITP, possibly due to herbal supplement contained green tea, ginseng and guarana, which patient was received for 4-5 days about 1 month ago. He responded well to the treatment with methyl prednisolone. Since herbal medicines and dietary supplements have many toxic effects it should be kept in mind that secondary ITP may develop during supplementation with these herbal products.