Research on the Protective Effects of Phycocyanin Against Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Liver Fibrosis, Liver Cirrhosis
In brief
This clinical trial aims to determine whether phycocyanin, a natural protein derived from spirulina, can help treat liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in adult patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can phycocyanin reduce blood levels of liver enzymes (such as ALT and AST) that indicate liver damage? * Can phycocyanin improve liver stiffness as measured by ultrasound? Researchers will compare the phycocyanin intervention group with a control group that receives a placebo (a similar-looking maltodextrin supplement without active ingredients) to explore if phycocyanin is more effective in treating liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Participants will: * Take one sachet of either phycocyanin or placebo daily for at least 4 weeks. * Attend regular clinic appointments (typically every 2-3 months) for routine monitoring of your liver condition, which will include blood and urine tests. * Provide blood and stool samples once before the treatment and once after the 4-week treatment period. * Undergo an ultrasound evaluation of liver stiffness. The study will last approximately 2 years, and the personal information of all patients will be kept strictly confidential.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07271576
- Run by
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine
- People needed
- 10
- Starts
- 2025-06-04
- Expected to finish
- 2027-06-04
- Last updated by the study team
- 2025-12-09
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Adults between the ages of 18 and 75;
- Patients diagnosed with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis;
- Voluntary participation in this study and signing of an informed consent form;
- No acute diseases or significantly worsening symptoms for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
You may not qualify if…
- Presence of severe comorbidities;
- Allergy to phycocyanin;
- Patients with a history of severe mental illness that may affect treatment compliance.
Where it is running
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University — Hangzhou, China (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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