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

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 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.