Actively Recruiting
Curcumin and Retinal Amyloid-beta Pilot Study
Led by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · Updated on 2026-01-13
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how two weeks of curcumin supplementation affects amyloid beta protein deposits in the retina and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This pilot study aims to assess the safety, bioavailability, and gut microbiome changes related to curcumin in participants aged 40 to 89 with existing amyloid beta deposits in the retina. The study is sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and focuses on early Alzheimer's disease markers in the eye. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a low-dose curcumin group taking 250 mg capsules three times daily after meals, or a high-dose group taking 500 mg capsules with the same frequency and duration of two weeks. The study will compare the retinal amyloid beta deposits and curcumin levels in the blood before and after the supplementation period. During the study, participants will undergo retinal imaging to measure amyloid beta fluorescence intensity, number, and location at baseline and after two weeks. Blood samples will be collected to evaluate curcumin bioavailability and liver and kidney function tests. Stool samples will be analyzed to explore gut microbiome abundance and composition. The study includes safety monitoring and statistical analysis of all collected data, with a total participation time of about two weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Curcumin and Retinal Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Both male and female, age 40 to 89 years
- Diagnosed with amyloid beta deposits in the retina, confirmed by recent documentation or ophthalmic exam after consent
- No pre-existing liver or kidney diseases by self-report
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of ocular diseases such as macular degeneration or severe diabetic retinopathy
- Use of systemic antibiotics within 1 month before starting the study
- Use of turmeric or curcumin products within 2 weeks before starting the study
- Known allergy to black pepper
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants take curcumin capsules three times a day after each meal for 2 weeks to assess its effect on retinal amyloid beta deposits and gut microbiome composition.
1 baseline visit and 1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas, United States, 79430
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chwan-Li (Leslie) Shen, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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