Using alpha-lipoic acid to treat ulcerative colitis

Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Alpha-lipoic Acid in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Treated With Mesalamine

Not applicable Interventional Tanta University · NCT06067698

This study is testing if adding alpha-lipoic acid to the usual medication for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis can help patients feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Tanta)
Trial IDNCT06067698 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of alpha-lipoic acid as an additional treatment alongside mesalamine for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. The approach focuses on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of alpha-lipoic acid, which may help improve the condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either mesalamine with alpha-lipoic acid or mesalamine with a placebo. The study aims to determine if this combination can enhance treatment outcomes for patients newly diagnosed with this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who are being treated with mesalamine.

Not a fit: Patients with severe ulcerative colitis or those with other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for managing mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of alpha-lipoic acid and mesalamine is novel, similar studies exploring antioxidant therapies in inflammatory bowel diseases have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years old.
* Both male and female sex.
* Newly diagnosed patients with active mild and moderate ulcerative colitis according to American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guideline for diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis in Adults.26
* Patients treated with 5-aminosalisylic acid (mesalamine).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with severe ulcerative colitis.
* Patients with colorectal cancer.
* Patients on rectal or systemic steroids.
* Patients on immunosuppressants or biological therapies.
* Patients with previously failed treatment with sulphasalazine.
* Patients with known allergy to study medications.
* History of complete or partial colectomy.
* Patients with significant liver disease (fibrosis, cirrhosis, NASH, NAFLD).
* Patients with other inflammatory diseases.
* Patients with thyroid diseases.
* Patients with arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.
* Patients with diabetes.
* Patients on antioxidants supplement (vitamin A, C, E), selenium, co-enzyme Q.
* Patients on amlodipine, levothyroxine, low strength aspirin, warfarin, atorvastatin, insulin, oral hypoglycemic, chemotherapy (drug-drug interaction).

Where this trial is running

Tanta

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 Ulcerative Colitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.