Research on the Protective Effects of Phycocyanin Against Liver Fibrosis and 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.

NCT Number	NCT07271576
Lead Sponsor	Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Conditions	Liver Fibrosis, Liver Cirrhosis
Enrollment	10 participants
Start Date	2025-06-04
Primary Completion	2027-06-04 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-06-04 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-12-09