Phyllantus amarus for the protection of liver health

ISRCTN ISRCTN90321640
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN90321640
Secondary identifying numbers BIOT1200
Submission date
15/11/2011
Registration date
23/02/2012
Last edited
05/09/2014
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Digestive System
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Phyllanthus amarus is a widespread tropical plant, traditionally used for general liver health. However, few studies have assessed the effects of Phyllanthus amarus, and none have examined its effects in relation to hangovers. In this study, Phyllpro, a standardized freeze-dried water extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves, was evaluated for hangover symptoms and liver protection against temporary stress induced by alcohol consumption.

Who can participate?
Men and women of general good health, aged 21-50 and regularly consuming at least five servings of alcohol per week.

What does the study involve?
Participants received both of the following two treatments in a random order: Phyllpro or an identical placebo (dummy) drug twice daily for 10 days. We then measured hangover symptoms and the ability of the drug to protect the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Not provided at time of registration.

Where is the study run from?
The study was conducted at the Staywell Research clinical research site located in Northridge, CA, USA.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study ran from July 2010 to October 2010.

Who is funding the study?
Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Who is the main contact?
Jay Udani, MD
Tel: +1 (0) 818 882 9442

Contact information

Dr Jay Udani
Scientific

18250 Roscoe Blvd. Suite 220
Northridge, CA
91325
United States of America

Study information

Study designRandomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titlePhyllantus amarus for the protection of liver heath: a randomized controlled trial
Study objectivesThe purpose of this study is to assess the ability of Phyllantus amarus to protect the liver against temporary stress induced by alcohol consumption.
Ethics approval(s)Initial IRB approval of the protocol was granted on 12/05/2010 by the Copernicus Group IRB (Cary, NC). Protocol Amendment was approved on 16/09/2010 by the Copernicus Group IRB (Cary, NC).
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedTemporary liver stress induced by alcohol consumption
InterventionPhyllPro, a propriety extract of Phyllanthus amarus 375 mg to be taken orally, one tablet twice daily for 10 days.

The placebo was a combination of inactive components, including microcrystalline cellulose, and it was also to be taken as one tablet twice daily for 10 days. There was an 11-day washout period between the two treatment periods.
Intervention typeDrug
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
PhasePhase II
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)Phyllanthus amarus
Primary outcome measure1. High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (HS CRP)
2. Inflammatory Cytokine Panel [including TNF alpha, IL-1Beta, IL-2 , IL-4 , IL-5, IL-6 , IL-7, IL-8, IL-10 , IL-12p70, IL-13 , IL-17A, TNF-alpha , G-CSF , Eotaxin, MIP1Beta, IFNgamma, VEGF, MCP- 1, FGF-BASIC, GM-CSF]
3. Liver function tests [AST and ALT, total bilirubin, albumin, International Normalized ratio (INR), aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase]
Secondary outcome measures1. Hangover severity score: 7-point scale from none (0) to six (6). Healthy subjects should have a score of 0
2. Profile of Mood States (POMS)
3. Cognitive performance tests (CNS Vital Signs System)
4. Sleep Quality Scale
Overall study start date13/07/2010
Completion date16/10/2010

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
SexBoth
Target number of participants15
Key inclusion criteria1. Healthy male or female 21-50 years of age, inclusive
2. Subject consumes at least five servings of alcohol per week on a regular basis. Liquor vs wine or beer
3. Minimum Profile of Mood States (POMS) score of 15
4. Access to a computer and internet
5. Subject is willing to maintain his or her habitual food and beverage intake (other than substitution of study food for similar products) and physical activity patterns throughout the study period
6. Body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30 kg/m2
7. Subject is willing and able to comply with the alcohol consumption requirements
8. Subjects willing to stay in the clinic for two overnight stays
9. Generally healthy
10. Agree to all visits and study procedures
Key exclusion criteria1. Any liver condition including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver and liver disease
2. Liver function greater than three times the upper level limit of normal
3. History or record of aggressive or violent behavior
4. Evidence of liver disease
5. Presence of ascites
6. Family history of alcoholism
7. Any significant gastrointestinal (GI) condition that would potentially interfere with the evaluation of the study product [e.g.,ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, clinically significant gastritis, celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), history of upper GI bleed (bleeding ulcer), chronic constipation (defined as <3 bowel movements per week), history of frequent diarrhea, history of surgery for weight loss, gastroparesis, clinically important lactose intolerance]
8. Clinically significant renal, hepatic, endocrine (including diabetes mellitus), cardiac, pulmonary, pancreatic, neurologic, or biliary disorder
9. Known allergy or sensitivity to any ingredients in the study products
10. Extreme dietary habits (e.g., vegan, Atkins Diet, etc.)
11. Recent (within two weeks of visit 1, week -1) episode of acute gastrointestinal illness such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
12. Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure _160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure _100 mm Hg at visit 1, week -1)
13. History or presence of cancer in the prior two years, except for non-melanoma skin cancer
14. Any major trauma or surgical event within three months of visit 1, week -1
15. Recent use of antibiotics (within 6 weeks)
16. Females who are pregnant, lactating, planning to be pregnant during the study period
17. Recent history of (within 12 months) or strong potential for alcohol or substance abuse
18. Alcohol abuse will be defined as >14 drinks per week (1 drink =12 ounces beer, 5 ounces wine, or 1 ½ ounces distilled spirits)
19. Participation in a clinical study with exposure to any non-registered drug product within 30 days prior
20. Individual has a condition the Investigator believes would interfere with his or her ability to provide informed consent, comply with the study protocol, which might confound the interpretation of the study results or put the person at undue risk
21. Current active respiratory illness at the time of screening
22. Any immune system disorders
23. Subjects with a history of perforation of the stomach or intestines
24. Subjects who have had gastric bypass surgery
25. Untreated hypothyroidism
26. Subjects with active eating disorder including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and/or obsessive compulsive eating disorders
27. Spinal cord injuries
Date of first enrolment13/07/2010
Date of final enrolment16/10/2010

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • United States of America

Study participating centre

18250 Roscoe Blvd. Suite 220
Northridge, CA
91325
United States of America

Sponsor information

Biotropics Malaysia (Malaysia)
Industry

Level 52, North Wing, Menara TM
Jalan Pantai Baharu
Kuala Lumpur
50672
Malaysia

Website http://biotropicsmalaysia.com
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/00jsvb253

Funders

Funder type

Industry

Medicus Research (USA)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan