Turmeric gel could offer new hope for sickle cell patients

NCT ID NCT07566494

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SICKLE CELL DISEASE, HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hemolytic anemia sickle cell disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••