Testing curcumin, resveratrol, and stinging nettle for Gulf War Illness

Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Stinging Nettle as Treatments for Gulf War Illness

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05377242

This study is testing whether curcumin, resveratrol, and stinging nettle can help people with Gulf War Illness feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages45 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05377242 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to identify effective treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI) by testing three potential treatments: curcumin, stinging nettle, and resveratrol. Utilizing a decentralized clinical trial design, participants from across the United States can engage remotely. The study will recruit 300 individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria related to GWI, ensuring a diverse sample. Participants will undergo a screening survey to assess their eligibility based on established case definitions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf Region during the 1990-1991 Gulf War and meet the Kansas and CDC case definitions for GWI.

Not a fit: Patients currently involved in experimental treatment studies or with certain medical conditions, such as abnormal liver or kidney function, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new treatment options for individuals suffering from Gulf War Illness.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring botanical treatments for chronic conditions have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
In accordance with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2014 guidance, participants must meet both the Kansas and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Case Definitions of GWI. Participants must have been deployed to the Persian Gulf Region during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, meet symptom domain criteria, and not have exclusionary medical conditions. The case definitions will be used for inclusionary screening purposes.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Meets Kansas GWI Case Definition
* Meets CDC GWI Case Definition
* Able to commit to a 10-month study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently involved in an experimental treatment study
* Abnormal liver function values
* Abnormal kidney function values
* Currently pregnant
* Blood clotting disorder (contraindicated with all three botanicals)
* Reported diagnosis of diabetes with an A1C greater than 9
* The use of contraindicated medications (see below):
* Anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin, heparin, etc.)
* Lithium
* Tacrolimus (Prograf)
* Cancer medications (Alkylating agents, antitumor antibiotics, Topoisomerase I inhibitors, Tamoxifen)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gulf War IllnessBotanicalsRemoteClinical TrialCurcuminResveratrolStinging Nettle
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.