Research on the Protective Effects of Phycocyanin Against Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
Key facts
- Where
- Hangzhou, ChinaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Source: NCT07271576, who can take part
Where in China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, ChinaContact: Xiaopeng CaiTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine
- Trial code
- NCT07271576
- Record updated
- 9 December 2025
- Original description
This clinical trial aims to determine whether phycocyanin, a natural protein derived from spirulina, can help treat liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in adult patients. The main questions it aims to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Research on the Role of Phycocyanin in the Prevention, Treatment, and Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis
This clinical trial aims to determine whether phycocyanin, a natural protein derived from spirulina, can help treat liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in adult patients. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Can phycocyanin reduce blood levels of liver enzymes (such as ALT and AST) that indicate liver damage? * Can phycocyanin improve liver stiffness as measured by ultrasound?
Researchers will compare the phycocyanin intervention group with a control group that receives a placebo (a similar-looking maltodextrin supplement without active ingredients) to explore if phycocyanin is more effective in treating liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.
Participants will:
* Take one sachet of either phycocyanin or placebo daily for at least 4 weeks. * Attend regular clinic appointments (typically every 2-3 months) for routine monitoring of your liver condition, which will include blood and urine tests. * Provide blood and stool samples once before the treatment and once after the 4-week treatment period. * Undergo an ultrasound evaluation of liver stiffness.
The study will last approximately 2 years, and the personal information of all patients will be kept strictly confidential.
Inclusion: 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: Allergy to phycocyanin; Patients with a history of severe mental illness that may affect treatment compliance; Presence of severe comorbidities.