Can ancient herbs outshine modern supplements for frail seniors?

NCT ID NCT07597850

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Tri-Service General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 2 study tests whether a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formula can improve muscle strength and bone health in pre-frail adults aged 65 and older, compared to the nutritional supplement HMB. Over 24 weeks, 90 participants will take either the TCM powder or HMB tablets, with handgrip strength as the main measure. The goal is to find effective ways to reverse early frailty and help seniors stay active and independent.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formula (10 botanical ingredients) and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) dietary supplement
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a natural alternative or complement to nutritional supplements for reversing frailty and preventing falls in older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 2 trial with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The TCM formula is complex and its effects may vary, and the study does not test for long-term safety or efficacy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Asthenia muscular atrophy osteoporosis Sarcopenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AGING MUSCLE ATROPHY OR WEAKNESS OSTEOPOROSIS PRE-FRAILTY SARCOPENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tri-Service General Hospital
RECRUITING

Taipei, 114202, Taiwan

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