Investigating the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Frondanol in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Conditions
- Crohn ColitisUlcerative Colitis Chronic MildUlcerative Colitis Chronic Moderate
- Interventions
- Drug: Placebo
- Registration Number
- NCT05194007
- Brief Summary
This is a pilot, prospective, double-blinded, two-arm, randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of Frondanol in comparison to placebo in decreasing bowel inflammation in patients with a clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease who are in remission and on standard of care treatment.
- Detailed Description
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a debilitating condition, particularly during active periods (flares) of the disease and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. IBD is characterized by chronic gut inflammation resulting in symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stool, fatigue and unintended weight loss, which significantly affect the quality of life of patients. Although the exact mechanism underlying the chronic gut inflammation is not fully understood, several cytokine networks are thought to be involved. Currently, treatment of IBD relies on minimizing symptoms and improving quality of life through the control of disease progression and complications; however, these drugs have significant systemic side effects that reduce their tolerability. Moreover, up to 40% of patients still exhibit non-response to therapy, and these treatment-refractory patients would require alternative therapeutic approaches. Frondanol, a widely available nutraceutical extract of the edible sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, has been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory effects in both animals and humans, whilst showing no signs of toxicity. The potent anti-inflammatory effects of Frondanol in a mouse model of IBD provide encouragement for investigating its effects in human IBD patients. The proposed study is a pilot, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of Frondanol in patients with IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) who are currently in remission and are on standard therapy. One hundred patients will be randomized (1:1) to receive Frondanol or placebo as an adjunct to their standard therapy for the period of six months. Blood and tissue samples from colon biopsies obtained during routine visits and endoscopies at baseline and six months later will be collected. The levels of inflammatory markers such as myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, IL17A, IL22, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and several other inflammatory markers will be compared between patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo, and the findings will be correlated with clinical and histological parameters. Over the past 25 years, it is estimated that more than 3 million Frondanol capsules have been consumed on the human market with no reported side effects. An even larger amount has been consumed on the veterinary market without a single reported incident. If proven beneficial, Frondanol, will be a useful supplement in treating the underlying chronic gut inflammation in IBD patients, increasing the likelihood of patients remaining in remission and potentially providing an effective, natural and safe treatment for treatment naive patients in the future.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 13
Not provided
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Experimental -Frondanol Frondanol Eligible participants will receive Frondanol capsule orally (1000 mg capsule twice daily) for 6 months Placebo Placebo Eligible participants will receive placebo capsule (twice daily) for 6 months
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method To assess the change in plasma levels of marker of inflammation between IBD patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo at baseline and after six months of treatment Baseline and after 6 months Marker of inflammation will be measured in plasma samples.
To assess the change in plasma levels of cytokines between IBD patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo at baseline and after six months of treatment Baseline and after 6 months Cytokines will be measured in plasma samples.
To assess the change in biopsy mRNA levels between IBD patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo at baseline and after six months of treatment Baseline and after 6 months The mRNA levels of transcription factors involved in inflammation will be measured in tissue biopsy samples
To assess the change in the biopsy mRNA levels between IBD patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo at baseline and after six months of treatment Baseline and after 6 months The mRNA levels of markers involved in inflammation will be measured in tissue biopsy samples
To assess the change in the proteins expression between IBD patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo at baseline and after six months of treatment Baseline and after 6 months The proteins expression of markers involved in inflammation will be measured in tissue biopsy samples
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method To assess the change in routine clinical parameters between IBD patients treated with Frondanol and those treated with placebo at baseline and after six months of treatment: Baseline and after 2 months and after 4 months and after 6 months Fecal calprotectin will be measured
Trial Locations
- Locations (2)
Mediclinic City Hospital
🇦🇪Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
🇦🇪Dubai, United Arab Emirates