Phycocyanin for liver protection in fibrosis and cirrhosis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Participants with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis will take one sachet of either phycocyanin or a placebo daily for at least four weeks and will be compared to a control group receiving maltodextrin placebo. The trial measures changes in blood markers of liver injury (like ALT and AST) and liver stiffness by ultrasound, with blood and stool samples collected before and after treatment. Routine clinic visits every 2–3 months will monitor safety with blood and urine tests. The design uses a placebo control to determine whether phycocyanin produces measurable improvements over no active supplement.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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.

Where it's running

• The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
  Hangzhou, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Xiaopeng Cai
• Email: cxpeng@zju.edu.cn
• Phone: +86 18768161626

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.