Overview
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 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 Criteria:
- Presence of severe comorbidities;
- Allergy to phycocyanin;
- Patients with a history of severe mental illness that may affect treatment compliance.