Turmeric gel could offer new hope for sickle cell patients
NCT ID NCT07566494
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 28 times
Summary
This early-stage trial is testing whether a skin gel made from curcumin (a compound in turmeric) can be safely absorbed by adults with stable sickle cell disease. Researchers will apply the gel to the forearms twice a week for six weeks and monitor for side effects. The goal is to see if this method of delivering curcumin is safe and tolerable before testing if it can help.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- curcumin skin gel (VAS-101)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to deliver curcumin through the skin to help manage sickle cell disease symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 25 people, focused on safety. It is too small and early to know if the gel actually helps the disease.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States