Using luteolin to treat schizophrenia symptoms

Luteolin for the Treatment of People With Schizophrenia

Not applicable Interventional University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT05204407

This study is testing if taking a natural compound called luteolin can help improve symptoms for people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05204407 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of luteolin, a natural compound found in various foods, in improving symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It is a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving participants who have residual symptoms and cognitive impairments. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 300mg of luteolin twice daily or a placebo, with the aim of assessing changes in global psychopathology, cognitive function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. The study is conducted at two prominent research sites: the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center and UCLA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are clinically stable and on a consistent antipsychotic regimen.

Not a fit: Patients with current substance misuse issues or significant medical conditions that could interfere with the study outcomes may not benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic option for improving symptoms and cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of luteolin in this context is novel, previous studies have shown promise for natural compounds in treating psychiatric conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Either male or female of any race
* Age is 18-60 years old
* Meets DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
* Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score of 75 or more OR a Clinical Global Impression severity of illness item score of 4 or more
* Clinically stable
* Treated with the same antipsychotic for at least 60 days and have received a constant therapeutic dose for at least 30 days prior to study entry
* Able to participate in the informed consent process and provide voluntary informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Meets DSM-5 criteria for alcohol or substance misuse (except caffeine and nicotine) within the last 6 months; or a positive baseline urine drug screen. Participants who meet DSM-5 criteria for marijuana misuse - mild will be included in the study
* A current infection, including HIV and Hepatitis C; or an organic brain disorder or medical condition, whose pathology or treatment could alter the presentation or treatment of schizophrenia or significantly increase the risk associated with the proposed treatment protocol
* Currently taking immunosuppressive medications (e.g. oral scheduled corticosteroids, chemotherapy or transplantation or HIV/AIDs associated drugs); or anti-inflammatory medications, including NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib, or naproxen) or aspirin \> 81 mg on a daily basis. The use of PRN anti-inflammatory agents will be allowed.
* Female participants who are pregnant or nursing

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations

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 SchizophreniaSchizoaffective Disorder
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.