Mechanisms of Sulforaphane Supplementation in Alleviating Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Placebo: Participants take 6 tablets of matching placebo daily for the first 3 months (randomized double-blind phase). During the subsequent 3-month open-label extension phase, those who choose to continue their original assigned medication also take 6 tablets of matching placebo per day, i.e., six placebo tablets daily. Both active and placebo tablets are manufactured uniformly by Shenzhen Fushan Biotech Co., Ltd. (China), with identical appearance and similar smell and taste.

Sulforaphane: Participants take 6 tablets of sulforaphane daily for the first 3 months (randomized double-blind phase). During the subsequent 3-month open-label extension phase, those who choose to continue their original assigned medication also take 6 tablets of sulforaphane per day, equivalent to a dosage of six active tablets (411 μmol GR). The sulforaphane-producing dietary supplement, ZHIYINGUOSU, is provided at no cost by Shenzhen Fushan Biotech Co., Ltd. (China).

Study summary

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with an open-label extension is to evaluate whether sulforaphane can improve negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, and to explore its underlying mechanisms in patients with schizophrenia (aged 12-45 years, both sexes, stable on antipsychotic medication). The study duration includes 12 weeks of double-blind treatment followed by a 12-week open-label extension. In the randomized controlled double-blind phase, a total of 60 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either six oral tablets (411 μmol GR) of sulforaphane (SFN group, n = 30) or placebo (placebo group, n = 30) for 12 weeks. In the open-label phase, participants will choose whether to continue taking the drugs originally assigned. The primary outcome is the change in PANSS and BNSS scores during the randomized double-blind phase. Secondary outcomes include changes in brain MRI measures, as well as changes in MCCB, CGI-SI, CGI-GI, PSP, SNS, and SAFTEE scores during the randomized double-blind phase; and changes in PANSS, BNSS, and MCCB scores during the open-label phase.SAFTEE scale, serious adverse event record and blood test will be used for safety monitoring.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative subscale score — Baseline to 6 and 12 weeks
  PANSS negative subscale assesses severity of negative symptoms (score range 7-49, higher = worse). Change scores are calculated as the score at each time point (6 and 12 weeks) minus the baseline score. A negative change at either time point indicates improvement.
• Change from baseline in Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) score — Baseline to 6 and 12 weeks
  The BNSS measures negative symptom severity (total score 0-78, higher = worse). Change from baseline = score at week minus baseline score (calculated separately for week 6 and week 12). A negative change at either time point indicates improvement.

Trial sites (1)

More Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University trials in China

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