search
Back to results

Sulforaphane to Reduce Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Primary Purpose

Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 2
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Sulforaphane Nutraceutical
Identical-appearing Placebo
Sponsored by
Sheppard Pratt Health System
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Schizophrenia focused on measuring Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Sulforaphane, Sulforaphane supplement

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Capacity for written informed consent
  • Age 18-65 years, inclusive
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5)
  • Currently an outpatient at time of screening
  • Residual psychotic symptoms of at least moderate severity as evidenced by a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score of 60 or higher AND one or more of the following: one or more PANSS positive symptom scores of 4 or higher; OR containing at least three positive or negative items with scores of 3 or higher at the screening visit
  • Receiving antipsychotic medication for at least 8 weeks prior to enrolling in the study with no antipsychotic medication changes within the previous 21 days from visit 2 (week 0)
  • Conformance to PORT Treatment Recommendation about Maintenance Antipsychotic Medication Dose
  • Proficient in the English language
  • Participated previously in one of our screening studies

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any clinically significant or unstable medical disorder as determined by the principal investigator and/or the study physician (e.g., HIV infection or other immunodeficiency condition (such as receiving chemotherapy), uncontrolled diabetes, congestive heart failure)
  • DSM-5 diagnosis of intellectual disability or comparable diagnoses determined by previous versions of the DSM
  • DSM-5 diagnosis of a moderate or severe substance use disorder, except for caffeine or tobacco, within the last three months prior to the screening visit. If the patient has a positive drug toxicity screen at the time of visit 1 (screening), further evaluation by the investigator will be done of the substance use to determine eligibility.
  • Any current use of a broccoli supplement (e.g., Avmacol® or other health food broccoli supplement)
  • Participated in any investigational drug trial in the past 30 days prior to the screening visit
  • Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding during the study period

Sites / Locations

  • Sheppart Pratt Health System

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Sulforaphane Nutraceutical

Identical-appearing Placebo

Arm Description

The sulforaphane nutraceutical contains inactive glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate from broccoli seeds, and myrosinase from broccoli sprouts. The ingestion of this compound leads to the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin, the generation of sulforaphane within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the subsequent systemic absorption of the sulforaphane. The dose per tablet is 16 mg of glucoraphanin or 37 µmol; 6 tablets per day should yield about 100 µmol of sulforaphane. The tablets, which will be swallowed, are provided as .375 punch size, round concave tablets. In this arm, the participant will take 6 tablets of the sulforaphane nutraceutical daily for 16 weeks after a 2-week placebo run-in.

The inert compound placebo looks identical to the sulforaphane nutraceutical. In this arm, the participant will take 6 tablets of the placebo daily for 16 weeks after a 2-week placebo run-in.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Score From the Start to the End of the Double-blind Treatment Phase
The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) measures psychiatric symptomatology, especially related to psychosis. The complete PANSS contains ratings for 30 symptoms, including 7 positive symptoms, 7 negative symptoms, and 16 general psychiatric symptoms. The severity of each symptom is rated on a scale ranging from 1 (minimal) to 7 (extreme); higher scores indicate increased symptomatology. Total PANSS scores include scores from all categories and range from 30 to 210 units on a scale.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Change in MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) Overall Composite Scores From the Start to the End of the Study
The MATRICS (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is a standardized battery of 10 tests that measure 7 domains of cognitive performance: speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. Overall composite t-scores are calculated using scores from all subtests. A t-score of 50 (10) is the mean (standard deviation) of the relevant reference population. Higher values indicate better performance.
Change in C-Reactive Protein From the Start to the End of the Study
Change in Pentraxin-3 From the Start to the End of the Study
Change in Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae IgA Class Antibodies From the Start to the End of the Study
Change in Interleukin-6 From the Start to the End of the Study
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha From the Start to the End of the Study
Change in Interferon Gamma From the Start to the End of the Study

Full Information

First Posted
June 14, 2016
Last Updated
July 7, 2021
Sponsor
Sheppard Pratt Health System
search

1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT02810964
Brief Title
Sulforaphane to Reduce Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Official Title
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Sulforaphane Nutraceutical to Reduce the Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
July 2021
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
February 22, 2017 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
November 11, 2019 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
November 11, 2019 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
Sheppard Pratt Health System

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if taking a sulforaphane nutraceutical versus a placebo will reduce symptoms of schizophrenia when used in addition to standard antipsychotic medications.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder
Keywords
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Sulforaphane, Sulforaphane supplement

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 2
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
ParticipantCare ProviderInvestigatorOutcomes Assessor
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
64 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Sulforaphane Nutraceutical
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
The sulforaphane nutraceutical contains inactive glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate from broccoli seeds, and myrosinase from broccoli sprouts. The ingestion of this compound leads to the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin, the generation of sulforaphane within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the subsequent systemic absorption of the sulforaphane. The dose per tablet is 16 mg of glucoraphanin or 37 µmol; 6 tablets per day should yield about 100 µmol of sulforaphane. The tablets, which will be swallowed, are provided as .375 punch size, round concave tablets. In this arm, the participant will take 6 tablets of the sulforaphane nutraceutical daily for 16 weeks after a 2-week placebo run-in.
Arm Title
Identical-appearing Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
The inert compound placebo looks identical to the sulforaphane nutraceutical. In this arm, the participant will take 6 tablets of the placebo daily for 16 weeks after a 2-week placebo run-in.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Sulforaphane Nutraceutical
Other Intervention Name(s)
Avmacol®
Intervention Description
Sulforaphane Nutraceutical 6 tablets by mouth daily
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Identical-appearing Placebo
Intervention Description
Identical-appearing Placebo 6 tablets by mouth daily
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Score From the Start to the End of the Double-blind Treatment Phase
Description
The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) measures psychiatric symptomatology, especially related to psychosis. The complete PANSS contains ratings for 30 symptoms, including 7 positive symptoms, 7 negative symptoms, and 16 general psychiatric symptoms. The severity of each symptom is rated on a scale ranging from 1 (minimal) to 7 (extreme); higher scores indicate increased symptomatology. Total PANSS scores include scores from all categories and range from 30 to 210 units on a scale.
Time Frame
16 weeks (week 2 to week 18)
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) Overall Composite Scores From the Start to the End of the Study
Description
The MATRICS (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is a standardized battery of 10 tests that measure 7 domains of cognitive performance: speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. Overall composite t-scores are calculated using scores from all subtests. A t-score of 50 (10) is the mean (standard deviation) of the relevant reference population. Higher values indicate better performance.
Time Frame
18 weeks (week 0 to week 18)
Title
Change in C-Reactive Protein From the Start to the End of the Study
Time Frame
18 weeks (assessed at weeks 0, 10, and 18; weeks 0 and 18 reported)
Title
Change in Pentraxin-3 From the Start to the End of the Study
Time Frame
18 weeks (assessed at weeks 0, 10, and 18; weeks 0 and 18 reported)
Title
Change in Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae IgA Class Antibodies From the Start to the End of the Study
Time Frame
18 weeks (assessed at weeks 0, 10, and 18; weeks 0 and 18 reported)
Title
Change in Interleukin-6 From the Start to the End of the Study
Time Frame
18 weeks (assessed at weeks 0, 10, and 18; weeks 0 and 18 reported)
Title
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha From the Start to the End of the Study
Time Frame
18 weeks (assessed at weeks 0, 10, and 18; weeks 0 and 18 reported)
Title
Change in Interferon Gamma From the Start to the End of the Study
Time Frame
18 weeks (assessed at weeks 0, 10, and 18; weeks 0 and 18 reported)

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
65 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Capacity for written informed consent Age 18-65 years, inclusive Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5) Currently an outpatient at time of screening Residual psychotic symptoms of at least moderate severity as evidenced by a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score of 60 or higher AND one or more of the following: one or more PANSS positive symptom scores of 4 or higher; OR containing at least three positive or negative items with scores of 3 or higher at the screening visit Receiving antipsychotic medication for at least 8 weeks prior to enrolling in the study with no antipsychotic medication changes within the previous 21 days from visit 2 (week 0) Conformance to PORT Treatment Recommendation about Maintenance Antipsychotic Medication Dose Proficient in the English language Participated previously in one of our screening studies Exclusion Criteria: Any clinically significant or unstable medical disorder as determined by the principal investigator and/or the study physician (e.g., HIV infection or other immunodeficiency condition (such as receiving chemotherapy), uncontrolled diabetes, congestive heart failure) DSM-5 diagnosis of intellectual disability or comparable diagnoses determined by previous versions of the DSM DSM-5 diagnosis of a moderate or severe substance use disorder, except for caffeine or tobacco, within the last three months prior to the screening visit. If the patient has a positive drug toxicity screen at the time of visit 1 (screening), further evaluation by the investigator will be done of the substance use to determine eligibility. Any current use of a broccoli supplement (e.g., Avmacol® or other health food broccoli supplement) Participated in any investigational drug trial in the past 30 days prior to the screening visit Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding during the study period
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Faith Dickerson, PhD, MPH
Organizational Affiliation
Sheppard Pratt Health System
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Sheppart Pratt Health System
City
Towson
State/Province
Maryland
ZIP/Postal Code
21204
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Yes
IPD Sharing Plan Description
Demographic, symptom, and cognitive data will be shared with the National Database for Clinical Trials Related to Mental Illness (NDCT). Access may be obtained through an approved application with the NDCT.

Learn more about this trial

Sulforaphane to Reduce Symptoms of Schizophrenia

We'll reach out to this number within 24 hrs