A Pilot Study of the Role of an Antimicrobial Herbal Formulation (Biocidin REMOVE) for the Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Johns Hopkins University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an herbal supplement called Biocidin REMOVE can clear small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). SIBO means there are too many bacteria in the small intestine. It can make IBS symptoms worse. This is a small first study, called a pilot study. Its results will help researchers plan larger studies. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Biocidin REMOVE clear SIBO? Does it lower IBS symptoms and improve quality of life? Does it change the mix of bacteria in the gut? Researchers will compare Biocidin REMOVE to a placebo. A placebo is a look-alike capsule that contains no active ingredients. Neither the participants nor the research team will know who gets which one. About 40 adults age 18 and older will take part. Participants will: Take capsules by mouth twice a day for about 5 weeks. Participants will start with a low dose and build up to 2 capsules twice a day. Take a breath test at the start and at the end of treatment. This test checks for SIBO. Collect a stool sample at home at the start and at the end of treatment. Answer questions about symptoms and quality of life. Report what was eaten during the study. Come back for one check-in about 4 weeks after treatment ends.
Description
This is a single-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot feasibility trial. Forty participants will be randomized 1:1 to Biocidin REMOVE or matching placebo (20 per arm). Up to 50 participants will be consented to allow for approximately 10 screen failures. Participants and investigators are both blinded; active and placebo capsules are identical in appearance. Study product is a commercially available herbal preparation supplied as a 665 mg capsule containing 325 mg of the active proprietary blend. Dosing follows a 9-day titration, increasing by one capsule every three days…