Phycocyanin for liver protection in fibrosis and cirrhosis
Research on the Role of Phycocyanin in the Prevention, Treatment, and Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis
This trial will test whether a daily phycocyanin supplement can help adults with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis by lowering liver enzymes and improving liver stiffness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou) |
| Trial ID | NCT07271576 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 with a clinical diagnosis of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, who have been clinically stable for at least four weeks and can provide informed consent, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with severe comorbidities, known allergy to phycocyanin, recent acute worsening of illness, or who cannot comply with study procedures are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, phycocyanin could offer a low-risk supplement option that lowers liver enzyme levels and reduces liver stiffness, potentially slowing progression of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and a few small clinical reports suggest antioxidant and liver-protective effects of phycocyanin, but robust randomized clinical evidence in fibrosis or cirrhosis is currently limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Hangzhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University — Hangzhou, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xiaopeng Cai
- Email: cxpeng@zju.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 18768161626
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.