Research on the Protective Effects of Phycocyanin Against Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
Research on the Role of Phycocyanin in the Prevention, Treatment, and Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis
Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
10 participants
Jun 4, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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
Inclusion Criteria4
- 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 Criteria3
- Presence of severe comorbidities;
- Allergy to phycocyanin;
- Patients with a history of severe mental illness that may affect treatment compliance.
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Interventions
Oral phycocyanin formulation treatment, 1.5g/day, for at least 4 weeks (The phycocyanin was provided free of charge by Inner Mongolia Zaihui Shou Bio-engineering Co., Ltd., with company production license number SC12215062400192, executive standard GB 1886.309-2020, food-grade specifications, and batch number E4020250324. All samples used in the clinical study are from the same batch, packaged in opaque aluminum composite bags, 1.5g/bag, and stored frozen).
This is the placebo control group. The patients will receive the same dosage of maltodextrin for at least 4 weeks.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07271576