Active — Not RecruitingPhase 4

Clinical Study of Compound Ciwujia Granules in the Treatment of Depression

China60 participantsStarted 2025-10-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Compound Ciwujia Granules in treating depression disorder (heart-spleen deficiency syndrome). The study primarily aims to address the following key questions: * Can Compound Ciwujia Granules effectively alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with heart-spleen deficiency syndrome? * What adverse reactions might participants experience while taking Compound Ciwujia Granules? Researchers will compare Compound Ciwujia Granules to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if Compound Ciwujia Granules works to treat depression disorder. Participants are required to complete the following procedures: 1. Take Compound Ciwujia Granules or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks; 2. Continue concomitant SSRIs throughout the treatment period; 3. Return to the hospital for scheduled assessments at Week 4 and Week 8.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Meets the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) and the depressive episode criteria of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.); * Fulfills Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic criteria for heart-spleen deficiency syndrome * HAMD-17 (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) total score: 8-24; * HAMA (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) score ≤21; * Outpatient participants aged 18-65 (inclusive) of either sex; * Education level ≥ junior high school, capable of completing self-assessment scales; * Currently on a stable dose of one SSRI for ≥6 weeks, with a CGI-GI (Clinical Global Impression - Global Improvement) score ≥4 at screening and baseline; * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Prior diagnosis or medical history of: organic mental disorder-related depression, clinically significant neurological diseases (e.g., epilepsy, encephalopathy), any neurodegenerative disorders, moderate/severe head trauma or other neurological conditions affecting CNS function; * Current DSM-5-diagnosed psychiatric disorders (other than MDD), including: Schizophrenia spectrum/other psychotic disorders, Bipolar and related disorders, Anxiety disorders, OCD, or somatic symptom disorders, Substance-related/addictive disorders (excluding caffeine/nicotine), Positive urine drug screen at screening; * Suicide risk, defin…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The change rate of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17#HAMD-17# after treatmen

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07085143

SponsorShanghai Mental Health Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-20

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression - Major Depressive Disorder trials