NCT07271576 Research on the Protective Effects of Phycocyanin Against Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
| NCT ID | NCT07271576 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University |
| Condition | Liver Fibrosis |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 10 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-06-04 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-06-04 |
Trial Parameters
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Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of severe comorbidities; * Allergy to phycocyanin; * Patients with a history of severe mental illness that may affect treatment compliance.