Ancient herbal mix gets a modern test for Crohn's
NCT ID NCT03992469
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial is testing whether an oral herbal formula called E-B-FAHF-2 is safe and tolerable for people with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. Only 7 adults will take either the herbal capsule or a placebo for a short time. The goal is to see if it reduces inflammation and helps maintain remission, with fewer pills needed than earlier versions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- E-B-FAHF-2 (a concentrated herbal formula)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease that is easier to take than current therapies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small Phase 1 trial with only 7 participants, so results may not apply widely. The herbal formula may not prove effective or could cause side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
-
7 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Feb 2023
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must fulfill all of the following criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the study: * Male and female subjects with Crohn's disease (CD), 18-60 years of age and otherwise in good health as determined by medical history and physical examination * Subjects weighing 25kg or more * History of ileal or ileal-colonic CD that is mild-to-moderate in severity as determined by standard history, physical, endoscopy scoring results, CD Activity Index (CDAI); patients with severe disease, which can be rapidly progressive and result in gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intestinal fistulas, abscesses and other complications, will be excluded because their risk of requiring rescue medications including steroids and biologicals as well as hospitalization or surgery are high. * The subject is able to swallow the required capsules and tablets. * The subject has been immunized according to the guidelines set forth by the CDC. * The subject agrees to participate in the study. * Females of childbearing potential must be sexually inactive or take effective birth control measures, as deemed appropriate by the investigator, for the duration of the study. * Evidence of inflammation on colonoscopy with an SES-CD \>3. * Either an elevated fecal calprotectin or an elevated CRP. * Willing and able to undergo upper endoscopy and colonoscopy with disease flares and after 6 months of treatment for the assessment of disease as per the standard of care for CD. * Willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests, and other study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: Subjects will be excluded from the study if any of the following apply: * Patients with severe disease as determined by CDAI, or SES-CD scores at initial endoscopy of greater than 16, or strictures or large ulcerations on endoscopy that exemplify severe disease. * Acute febrile illness within 1 week before administration of study therapeutic formula. * Any history of other systemic diseases that, in the investigator's opinion, would preclude the subject from participating in this study, e.g. other autoimmune disease, neoplasm, HIV or hepatitis infection. * Abnormal hepatic function (ALT, AST or bilirubin \>2 x upper limit of normal). * Abnormal bone marrow function (WBC \<4 x 103/mm3; platelets \<100 x 103/mm3). * Abnormal renal function (BUN and creatinine \>1.5 x upper limit of normal for age or abnormal eGFR for age and race). * Clinically significant abnormal electrocardiogram. * Participation in another experimental therapy study within 30 days of this study. * History of alcohol or drug abuse. * Pregnant or lactating female subjects: females of childbearing potential will need a negative pregnancy test at screening and at each visit to be considered and continued in this study. Lactating females will be excluded from the study. * Active perirectal disease including fistuli or abcesses. * Use of any other CAM products. * Known allergy to FAHF-2/B-FAHF-2 or any of its components. * Concurrent use of any medications known to alter CYP3A function. * Any other medical concerns not listed above that in the invistigator's opinion may pose additional risks, interfere with adherence, or impact the quality or interpretation of the data.
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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
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, New York, 10029, United States
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