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Healthy VolunteerSPPILOTNPNCT07724561

Suvarnaprashana Pilot Study in Healthy Nepali Children Aged 2-5 Years

A study testing Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation) in people with Healthy Volunteer, run by National Ayurveda Research and Training Center.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Introduction This prospective, single-site, non-randomized, open-label controlled pilot study aims to generate preliminary evidence on the short-term safety and potential immunomodulatory effects of Suvarnaprashana (SP), a traditional Ayurvedic intervention involving daily oral administration of a gold-based… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 2 to 5 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Healthy Volunteer
What is being tested?
Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
27 Aug 2026to 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 2 to 5 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Healthy children aged 2-5 years
  • WHO Z-score between -2 and +2 standard deviations
  • Normal complete blood count (CBC), liver function test (LFT), and renal function test (RFT)
  • Written informed consent from parent or guardian
  • Ability to adhere to study protocol

Who cannot join

  • Immunodeficiency (congenital or acquired)
  • Known hypersensitivity to gold, honey, or ghee
  • History of severe allergic reactions
  • Presence of any chronic illness or acute infection at screening

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Amit M Joshi, PhD contact

amitmanjoshi1981@gmail.com

About this study

Official title: Safety and Preliminary Immunomodulatory Efficacy of Suvarnaprashana in Healthy Children Aged 2-5 Years: A Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study in Nepal

Introduction This prospective, single-site, non-randomized, open-label controlled pilot study aims to generate preliminary evidence on the short-term safety and potential immunomodulatory effects of Suvarnaprashana (SP), a traditional Ayurvedic intervention involving daily oral administration of a gold-based formulation (Suvarna Bhasma triturated with honey and ghee).

Study Objectives Primary objectives focus on safety (monitoring adverse events, serious adverse events, and biochemical markers) and exploratory immunological changes (white blood cell differentials, immunoglobulins IgA/IgM/IgG, T-cell subsets CD4+/CD8+, cytokine IL-4, and infection incidence). Secondary objectives include monitoring gastrointestinal problems and overall infection episodes via caregiver logs and clinical assessments.

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Study Methods

This prospective, open-label, controlled pilot study in Nepal enrolls healthy children. Children receive Suvarnaprashana or control (no intervention/standard care). Data collected via parental illness diaries, anthropometry, clinical examinations, and questionnaires at baseline and follow-ups assess safety (adverse events) and efficacy (immunity and morbidity). Analysis uses descriptive stats and basic comparisons.

Expected Outcomes The pilot study anticipates demonstrating Suvarnaprashana as safe (low adverse events) with preliminary efficacy signals, including fewer illnesses and enhanced immunity in Nepali children versus controls. Results may justify larger trials and guide safe integration of this traditional practice into pediatric healthcare in Nepal.

Read the detailed description

Detailed DescriptionThis is a prospective, single-site, open-label, randomized controlled pilot study designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary immunomodulatory efficacy of Suvarnaprashana (SP) in healthy children aged 2-5 years in Nepal. Suvarnaprashana is an Ayurvedic formulation consisting of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified Suvarna Bhasma (gold ash) triturated with honey and ghee. While traditionally used to enhance childhood immunity and development, robust clinical evidence is limited.Study Rationale:

Traditional Ayurvedic texts suggest that Suvarnaprashana may support immune resilience, cognitive development, and overall health in children. Modern safety data for Suvarna Bhasma and its components, along with preliminary studies, support further investigation in a controlled setting. This pilot study aims to provide initial safety data and detect early signals of immunomodulatory efficacy, which are essential before considering larger, definitive trials for integration into child health programs.Study Design and Participants:

The study will enroll 40 healthy children between 2 and 5 years of age, recruited from the Provincial Ayurveda Hospital in Bijauri, Dang, Nepal. Participants will be screened for eligibility using WHO growth charts, nutritional status, and laboratory criteria (normal CBC, liver, and renal function tests). Parental/guardian informed consent is required, and verbal assent will be sought from children aged 4 years or older.Randomization and Allocation:

Eligible children will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (Suvarnaprashana plus standard care) or the control group (standard care only). Randomization will use a computer-generated, permuted block method, with stratification according to baseline risk factors (nutritional and perinatal status) to ensure group balance.Intervention:

Children in the intervention group will receive a weight-based daily oral dose of Suvarnaprashana (1-4 drops, each drop containing approximately 0.25 mg Suvarna Bhasma) for 30 days. The preparation is administered on an empty stomach each morning, ideally starting near the Pushya Nakshatra period, with a ±7 day window for practical feasibility. The formulation's quality is verified by GMP certification and independent laboratory testing (including ICP-MS for heavy metals). Caregivers receive training in dose administration and adherence is monitored through daily logs and weekly follow-up.Children in both groups continue to receive all routine childhood immunizations, growth monitoring, and standard healthcare as per Nepal's national guidelines. No placebo is used in the control group.Assessments and Outcome Measures:

Primary outcomes are safety (incidence and severity of adverse and serious adverse events, changes in biochemical parameters, and serum/urine gold levels) and exploratory changes in immunological markers (white blood cell differentials, immunoglobulins IgA/IgM/IgG, T cell subsets CD4+/CD8+, cytokine IL-4, and infection rates). Secondary outcomes include the number, type, duration, and severity of infection episodes and gastrointestinal symptoms, as captured by caregiver logs and clinical review. Baseline and end-of-study assessments involve laboratory tests and physical examinations. Weekly safety monitoring and clinical assessments are performed throughout the intervention period.Data Collection and Monitoring:

Data are captured using encrypted electronic case report forms (eCRFs) and structured symptom diaries maintained by caregivers. The Data Monitoring Committee, comprising a pediatrician, biostatistician, and ethicist, oversees trial safety, with interim analyses and stopping rules for excess serious adverse events (>10%). Study procedures follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP), national ethical guidelines, and the Declaration of Helsinki.Statistical Considerations:

As a pilot study, the sample size (n=40) is designed for feasibility and initial data collection, not for formal hypothesis testing. Analyses include descriptive statistics, intention-to-treat and per-protocol comparisons, and exploratory use of regression models to investigate trends in safety and immunological parameters. Effect sizes and confidence intervals will guide the design of future studies.Ethical Considerations and Community Engagement:

Written informed consent is obtained from all parents/guardians, and verbal assent is sought from children aged 4 years or older when appropriate. The study is approved by the Institutional Research Committee (IRC) of NARTC and the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC). A community advisory board with local representation provides guidance to ensure cultural sensitivity, and all participant data are kept strictly confidential.Significance:

This study addresses the urgent need for evidence-based evaluation of traditional Ayurvedic interventions in child health, aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) strategies for traditional medicine. Results will inform the feasibility, safety, and potential immunological benefits of Suvarnaprashana in young children and provide a foundation for larger confirmatory trials and policy guidance in Nepal.

Being tested
Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation)

What participants receive

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

  • Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation)Other

    A traditional Ayurvedic formulation containing purified gold, honey, and clarified butter (ghee), administered orally once daily for 30 days in a weight-based dose.

Study groups in NCT07724561
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Suvarnaprashana Oral AdministrationExperimentalChildren aged 2-5 years in this arm receive daily oral Suvarnaprashana for 30 days. The formulation consists of GMP-certified Suvarna Bhasma (gold), honey, and ghee, administered in a weight-based dose (1-4 drops) each morning on an empty stomach. All participants also receive standard care including immunizations and health monitoring as per national guidelines. Adherence is monitored with caregiver logs and weekly clinical assessments.
Receives: Other: Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation)
Standard Care OnlyNo interventionChildren aged 2-5 years in this arm receive only routine childhood healthcare as per Nepal's national guidelines, including immunizations, growth monitoring, and illness management. No Suvarnaprashana or other investigational product is administered. Health outcomes and adverse events are monitored similarly to the intervention group.

What is being measured

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

  1. Number of Participants with Adverse Events

    Count of participants who experienced at least one adverse event during the 8-week study period.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  2. Change in ALT (IU/L)

    Mean difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  3. Change in AST (IU/L)

    Mean difference in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  4. Change in Bilirubin (mg/dL)

    Average change in serum bilirubin from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  5. Change in Creatinine (mg/dL)

    Change in serum creatinine concentration from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  6. Change in Hemoglobin (g/dL)

    Difference in hemoglobin concentration from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  7. Change in WBC Count (10³/μL)

    Mean change in white blood cell count from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  8. Change in Platelet Count (10³/μL)

    Mean change in platelet count from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  9. Change in Serum Gold (μg/L)

    Difference in serum gold concentration from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  10. Change in Urine Gold (μg/L)

    Difference in urine gold levels measured at baseline and week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  11. Change in IgA (mg/dL)

    Change in serum immunoglobulin A from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  12. Change in IgM (mg/dL)

    Change in serum immunoglobulin M from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  13. Change in IgG (mg/dL)

    Mean difference in serum immunoglobulin G from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  14. Change in CD4+ T Cell Count (cells/μL)

    Change in CD4+ T lymphocyte count from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  15. Change in CD8+ T Cell Count (cells/μL)

    Change in CD8+ T lymphocyte count from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  16. Change in IL-4 (pg/mL)

    Difference in serum interleukin-4 levels from baseline to week 8.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  17. Number of Infection Episodes per Participant

    Total number of infection episodes recorded per participant over the 8-week period.

    Measured: 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Number of Infection Episodes per Participant

    Total number of clinically confirmed infection episodes (e.g., respiratory, urinary tract, or other) per participant during the study, as recorded in standardized caregiver logs and assessed at site visits.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  2. Duration of Infection Episodes (days)

    Average length in days of each infection episode per participant, measured from onset to resolution, as documented in caregiver logs and confirmed at site visits.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  3. Severity of Infection Episodes (CTCAE Grade)

    Maximum severity grade of each infection episode per participant, assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) during the 8-week study.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  4. Number of Gastrointestinal Events per Participant

    Total number of gastrointestinal events per participant (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain), recorded by caregivers and confirmed during clinic visits.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  5. Duration of Gastrointestinal Events (days)

    Average number of days per gastrointestinal event per participant, as recorded in logs and confirmed at site visits.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  6. Severity of Gastrointestinal Events (CTCAE Grade)

    Maximum severity grade for each gastrointestinal event per participant, graded according to CTCAE standards throughout the 8-week study period.

    Measured: 8 weeks

Timeline

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

  1. First posted24 Jul 2026
  2. Study start27 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 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
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study uses a randomized, parallel assignment, open-label design. Forty healthy children aged 2-5 years are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either receive daily Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation) for 30 days or to a standard-care control group. Randomization is stratified by baseline risk factors to ensure balanced groups. No blinding is applied due to the nature of the intervention and pilot feasibility focus.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07724561
Sponsor's protocol ID
300 - 2026
Acronym
SPPILOTNP
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
7 Jul 2026
Last updated
27 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to concerns about participant privacy, local regulatory requirements, and the pilot nature of the study. Data sharing may be reconsidered in future, larger studies if required by regulatory agencies and with appropriate safeguards.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Suvarnaprashana (Ayurvedic gold-based formulation) in people with Healthy Volunteer, run by National Ayurveda Research and Training Center.

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 5 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. 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?

Contact Amit M Joshi, PhD (+977-9841091383, amitmanjoshi1981@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Number of Participants with Adverse Events (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 17 primary outcomes in all. 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 27 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

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