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SarcopeniaNCT05919368

Effects of Shanyu Pill in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

A study testing Shanyu pill in people with Sarcopenia, run by Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine at 3 sites in China.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. It may also be associated with impaired cognitive function. Effective treatment options for sarcopenia remain limited. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 to 85 years
Conditions the study is for
Sarcopenia
What is being tested?
Shanyu pill
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
192 participants
Where
3 sitesChina
Study dates
17 Jul 2023to 10 Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 60 to 85 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age 60-85 years; meeting the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and the traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic criteria for spleen qi deficiency syndrome.
  • Able to understand and cooperate with study procedures and voluntarily provide written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Severe neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that may affect motor function, including severe osteoporosis or severe osteoarthritis.
  • Severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, or psychiatric disorders; uncontrolled endocrine or metabolic diseases; or severe hepatic or renal dysfunction, including cirrhosis, renal failure, or dialysis.
  • Inability to communicate effectively with the investigators because of speech impairment or uncorrected hearing impairment.
  • Severe cognitive impairment, defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score <24, resulting in an inability to understand or complete the study questionnaires and assessments.
  • Use of growth hormone, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or related hormonal supplements within the previous 3 months, or presence of severe nutritional deficiency.
  • Participation in another clinical trial or a clinical trial involving traditional Chinese medicine supplements within the previous 3 months.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country.

China3 sites
  • Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

    Fuzhou, Fujian, 350003

  • The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

    Fuzhou, Fujian, 350003

  • The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Shanyu Pill in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Based on the Gut-Muscle-Brain Axis

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. It may also be associated with impaired cognitive function. Effective treatment options for sarcopenia remain limited.

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is designed to evaluate the effects of Shanyu Pill in older adults with sarcopenia. A total of 192 participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Shanyu Pill or placebo for 24 weeks. A long-term follow-up assessment is scheduled 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

The primary outcome is the change in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) from baseline to week 24. Other assessments include muscle strength, physical performance, cognitive function, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome severity assessed using the Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome Score. Musculoskeletal ultrasound, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, gut microbiota analysis, and untargeted metabolomics are also used in subsets of participants to explore potential mechanisms associated with the effects of Shanyu Pill, including possible interactions within the gut-muscle-brain axis.

Read the detailed description

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of Shanyu Pill and explore its potential mechanisms in older adults with sarcopenia and spleen qi deficiency syndrome. The trial includes a total of 192 participants, who are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Shanyu Pill or placebo.

The trial is conducted at three study centers in China: the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Health Examination Center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Eligible participants are screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and written informed consent is obtained before enrollment.

The randomization sequence is generated by independent statistical personnel who are not involved in participant recruitment, intervention delivery, or outcome assessment. Participants, investigators, and outcome assessors are blinded to treatment allocation.

Shanyu Pill is a traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting mainly of Chinese yam, Atractylodes macrocephala, and ginseng. The placebo is primarily composed of corn starch and dextrin and is designed to resemble Shanyu Pill in appearance, shape, size, color, specification, packaging, and labeling to maintain blinding. Participants in both groups receive the assigned study medication orally three times daily, 5 days per week, for 24 weeks. Standardized health education is provided to both groups once per month during the intervention period.

Clinical assessments are scheduled at baseline, week 12, week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention. The assessment conducted 2 years after completion of the intervention is designed to evaluate long-term outcomes.

The primary outcome is the change in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes include handgrip strength, five-times sit-to-stand test performance, gait speed, 6-minute walk distance, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, Timed Up and Go test completion time, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, Stroop Color-Word Test completion time and accuracy, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome severity assessed using the Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome Score.

Mechanistic assessments are performed in subsets of participants. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used to assess skeletal muscle morphology and related characteristics. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), combined with motor-cognitive dual-task gait assessments, is used to investigate cortical hemodynamic responses and their associations with clinical outcomes.

Gut microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analyses of serum and fecal samples are also performed in subsets of participants to characterize changes in gut microbial composition and metabolic profiles. The fNIRS, gut microbiota, and metabolomic assessments are scheduled at baseline, week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention. These assessments are used to explore potential biological mechanisms associated with the effects of Shanyu Pill, including possible interactions among the gut, skeletal muscle, and brain.

The study protocol is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval No. SPHFJP-T2023007-02), the Ethics Committee of the Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval No. 2023KY-051-001), and the Ethics Committee of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Approval No. 2023ZSLYEC-669).

Conditions
Sarcopenia
Being tested
Shanyu pill, Placebo
Keywords
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanyu Pill, Gut Microbiota, Gut-Muscle-Brain Axis, Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Untargeted Metabolomics, Dual-Task Gait, Cognitive Function
Medical subject headings
Sarcopenia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Shanyu pillDietary supplement

    It consists of Chinese yam, Atractylodes macrocephala, and ginseng.

  • PlaceboDietary supplement

    It consists of corn starch and dextrin

Study groups in NCT05919368
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Shanyu pill groupExperimentalIt consists of Chinese yam, Atractylodes macrocephala, and ginseng.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Shanyu pill
Placebo groupPlacebo comparatorIt consists of corn starch and dextrin
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change From Baseline in Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMI)

    Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) is assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). ASM is calculated as the sum of lean soft tissue mass of the arms and legs. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) is calculated as ASM divided by height squared (kg/m²). Changes in ASMI from baseline are assessed at week 12, week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in ASMI from baseline to week 24.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Change From Baseline in Handgrip Strength

    Handgrip strength is measured using a handgrip dynamometer and reported in kilograms (kg), with higher values indicating greater muscle strength.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention

  2. Change From Baseline in Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test Performance

    Lower-extremity functional strength is assessed using the five-times sit-to-stand test. Completion time is recorded in seconds, with a shorter completion time indicating better performance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention

  3. Change From Baseline in Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score for Spleen Qi Deficiency

    Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome severity is assessed using the Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome Score. The scale evaluates predefined signs and symptoms associated with spleen qi deficiency syndrome, and a total syndrome score is calculated according to the prespecified scoring criteria. Higher scores indicate greater severity of spleen qi deficiency syndrome.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention

  4. Change From Baseline in Gut Microbiota Composition

    Gut microbiota composition is assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples. Changes in microbial community structure are evaluated using measures of microbial diversity and the relative abundance of bacterial taxa to characterize intervention-related alterations in the gut microbiota.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention

  5. Change From Baseline in Cortical Hemodynamic Responses Assessed by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

    Cortical hemodynamic responses are assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during motor-cognitive dual-task performance. Changes in cerebral oxygenation, including oxygenated hemoglobin responses in prefrontal and motor-related cortical regions, are evaluated to characterize intervention-related changes in cortical activation and brain functional responses.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention

  6. Change From Baseline in Gait Speed

    Gait speed is measured in meters per second (m/s), with higher values indicating better walking performance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  7. Change From Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance

    Functional exercise capacity is assessed using the 6-minute walk test. The total distance walked is recorded in meters, with a longer distance indicating better exercise capacity.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  8. Change From Baseline in Short Physical Performance Battery Score

    Physical performance is assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The total score ranges from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better lower-extremity physical performance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  9. Change From Baseline in Timed Up and Go Test Completion Time

    Mobility is assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Completion time is recorded in seconds, with a shorter completion time indicating better mobility.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  10. Change From Baseline in Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score

    Global cognitive function is assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better global cognitive function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  11. Change From Baseline in Stroop Color-Word Test Completion Time

    Executive function and inhibitory control are assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Test. Completion time is recorded in seconds, with shorter completion time indicating better performance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  12. Change From Baseline in Stroop Color-Word Test Accuracy

    Executive function and inhibitory control are assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Test. Accuracy is calculated as the percentage of correct responses, with higher percentages indicating better performance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

  13. Change From Baseline in Relative Abundance of Metabolites Detected by Untargeted Metabolomics

    Untargeted metabolomics is performed on serum and fecal samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolite abundance is assessed semi-quantitatively based on LC-MS peak signals after XCMS preprocessing, internal-standard correction, and quality-control filtering. Changes from baseline are used to characterize intervention-related metabolic alterations.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 Jun 2023
  2. Study start17 Jul 2023
  3. Primary completion10 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion10 Dec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
192 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05919368
Sponsor's protocol ID
KFKT-2022-012
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
9 Jun 2023
Last updated
4 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Shanyu pill in people with Sarcopenia, run by Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine at 3 sites in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change From Baseline in Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMI) (time frame: Baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and 2 years after completion of the 24-week intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Sep 2026.

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