Ancient herb meets keto: new trial targets fatty liver

NCT ID NCT07639866

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether a traditional Chinese medicine formula called Chazhu Xiaoli Formula (CXD), combined with a very low-carb (ketogenic) diet, can reduce liver fat in people with MASLD (fatty liver disease). 135 adults aged 18-50 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a low-carb diet, a ketogenic diet, or the ketogenic diet plus the herbal formula. The treatment lasts 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of follow-up, with liver fat measured by ultrasound.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Chazhu Xiaoli Formula (traditional Chinese medicine compound) plus restrictive ketogenic diet
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new dietary and herbal approach to reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health in people with MASLD.
What could go wrong
This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 135 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The restrictive diet is hard to follow long-term, and the herbal formula's safety and effectiveness are not yet proven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MASLD - METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.