Sulforaphane Supplement for Negative Symptoms and Thinking Problems in Schizophrenia
Tests sulforaphane supplements against placebo in people with schizophrenia taking antipsychotic medication.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Mechanisms of Sulforaphane Supplementation in Alleviating Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia
Key facts
- Where
- Changsha, ChinaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for people with schizophrenia who have had negative symptoms for at least 6 months and are stable on antipsychotic medicine. It tests whether sulforaphane helps negative symptoms and thinking problems.
- Age
- 12 to 45 years
- Sex
- Women and men can join.
- Disease stage
- Schizophrenia (DSM-5) in a non-acute phase. First episode or illness for 10 years or less. Negative symptoms for at least 6 months. PANSS negative subscale total score of 20 or more.
- Earlier treatment
- Currently taking no more than 2 antipsychotic medicines, with no change during the study. No antidepressants or mood stabilizers. No rTMS, MECT or systematic psychotherapy within 3 months or for the current episode.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Psychiatric symptoms from another DSM-5 diagnosis, or a history of substance dependence
- Depression score (CDSS) above 6, or at least moderate akathisia
- Suicide attempt or current suicidal thoughts
- Taking medicines that may affect thinking, such as Ginkgo biloba extract, minocycline or selegiline
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Read by machine on 13 November 2026.
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 12 and 45 years old?
Source: NCT07652866, who can take part
Where in China
- Xiangya Second HospitalChangsha, ChinaContact: Jing HuangNo longer taking part
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 Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
- Trial code
- NCT07652866
- Record updated
- 18 June 2026
- Original description
The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with an open-label extension is to evaluate whether sulforaphane can improve negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, and to explore its underlying mechanisms in patients with schizophrenia (aged 12-45 years, both sexes, stable on antipsychotic medication). The study duration includes 12 weeks of double-blind treatment followed by a 12-week open-label extension. In the randomized controlled double-blind phase, a total of 60 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either six oral tablets (411 μmol GR) of sulforaphane (SFN group, n = 30) or placebo (placebo group, n = 30) for 12 weeks. In the open-label phase, participants will choose whether to continue taking the drugs originally assigned. The primary outcome is the change in PANSS and BNSS scores during the randomized double-blind phase. Secondary outcomes include changes in brain MRI measures, as well as changes in MCCB, CGI-SI, CGI-GI, PSP, SNS, and SAFTEE scores during the randomized double-blind phase; and changes in PANSS, BNSS, and MCCB scores during the open-label phase.SAFTEE scale, serious adverse event record and blood test will be used for safety monitoring.Read full original descriptionShow less
Mechanisms of Sulforaphane Supplementation in Alleviating Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia
The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with an open-label extension is to evaluate whether sulforaphane can improve negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, and to explore its underlying mechanisms in patients with schizophrenia (aged 12-45 years, both sexes, stable on antipsychotic medication). The study duration includes 12 weeks of double-blind treatment followed by a 12-week open-label extension. In the randomized controlled double-blind phase, a total of 60 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either six oral tablets (411 μmol GR) of sulforaphane (SFN group, n = 30) or placebo (placebo group, n = 30) for 12 weeks. In the open-label phase, participants will choose whether to continue taking the drugs originally assigned. The primary outcome is the change in PANSS and BNSS scores during the randomized double-blind phase. Secondary outcomes include changes in brain MRI measures, as well as changes in MCCB, CGI-SI, CGI-GI, PSP, SNS, and SAFTEE scores during the randomized double-blind phase; and changes in PANSS, BNSS, and MCCB scores during the open-label phase.SAFTEE scale, serious adverse event record and blood test will be used for safety monitoring.
Inclusion: Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria; First-episode or illness duration ≤ 10 years, but currently in a non-acute phase of schizophrenia; Negative symptoms present for ≥ 6 months prior to study entry. Patients must be outpatients or hospitalized for social reasons rather than symptom exacerbation; PANSS negative subscale (7 items) total score ≥ 20; at least one negative item score > 3; no change > 3 points between screening and baseline. PANSS positive subscale items related to agitation (P4 excitement, P6 suspiciousness/persecution, P7 hostility, G8 uncooperativeness, G14 poor impulse control) each ≤ 4; Currently taking ≤ 2 antipsychotic medications; Antipsychotic regimen remains unchanged during the study period; No anticipated relocation, transportation difficulties, or access problems that would interfere with study participation; Able to understand and comply with study procedures, complete all required tests and examinations, communicate well with the investigator, and voluntarily provide written informed consent.
Exclusion: Currently receiving antidepressants, mood stabilizers; or use of rTMS, MECT, or systematic psychotherapy within 3 months or for the current episode; Current use of medications that may affect cognitive function, such as Ginkgo biloba extract, minocycline, selegiline; Psychiatric symptoms attributable to any other DSM-5 diagnosis besides schizophrenia; History of substance dependence, or psychotic symptoms caused by other medical conditions; Current or past major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury affecting brain structure/function; Presence of hepatic or renal insufficiency, severe gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine, or hematologic disorders, or disorders of absorption or metabolism; Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) total score > 6; Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) score indicating at least moderate akathisia; Suicidal attempt or current suicidal ideation; Pregnant or breastfeeding women.