Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoidal Disease
Conditions
Keywords
venous stasis, War-Drill Model, Parola Phenomenon, phytotherapy, Nimsai Herbal, quadruple-blind
Brief summary
This randomized, quadruple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of Nimsai Herbal, a proprietary oral phytotherapeutic formulation, in 50 participants aged 18-70 years with endoscopically confirmed Grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Nimsai Herbal (600 mg) or identical placebo once daily for 10 consecutive days. The primary endpoint is hemorrhoid regression at Day 10, defined as either a reduction in Goligher grade or a ≥75% reduction in composite hemorrhoid severity score. Secondary endpoints include change in symptom severity measured by Visual Analog Scale and complete symptom resolution rate. The study is designed as a mechanistic signal-detection investigation based on the War-Drill Model, which posits venous congestion as the primary initiating event in hemorrhoid pathogenesis.
Detailed description
This is a prospective, single-center, quadruple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized controlled trial designed as a mechanistic signal-detection study. The trial evaluates the War-Drill Model of hemorrhoid pathogenesis, which proposes that venous congestion, rather than primary vascular deformation, constitutes the indispensable initiating event in hemorrhoid formation. The model distinguishes two hemodynamic phenotypes: War Mode, associated with systemic inflammation and sustained venous congestion, and Drill Mode, characterized by hormonally mediated transient venous engorgement. A total of 50 participants with endoscopically confirmed Grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids and symptom duration exceeding 6 weeks will be randomized 1:1 to Nimsai Herbal (600 mg once daily) or matching placebo for 10 consecutive days. The study employs quadruple blinding, with participants, care providers, investigators, and outcomes assessors all masked to treatment assignment. An independent Data Safety Monitoring Board will provide ongoing safety oversight. The primary outcome is hemorrhoid regression rate at Day 10, defined as either reduction in Goligher grade or ≥75% reduction in composite severity score. Secondary outcomes include mean change in self-reported symptom severity (VAS) and complete symptom resolution rate. Safety outcomes include incidence of mild gastrointestinal discomfort, serious adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events. Diabetic participants will be specifically monitored for transient diarrhea during Days 1-3. The Parola Phenomenon, a patient-reported clinical indicator, will be assessed at baseline to stratify participants into War Mode and Drill Mode phenotypes for exploratory subgroup analyses. The trial is prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and approved by the Nimsai Academia Ethics Committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The complete study protocol, statistical analysis plan, and de-identified individual participant data will be made publicly available through the Dryad Digital Repository.
Interventions
600 mg oral capsule taken once daily. Contains a proprietary blend of Centella asiatica extract, Curcuma longa extract, and Piper nigrum extract.
Identical-appearing oral capsule containing inert ingredients, matched for taste and packaging.
Sponsors
Study design
Masking description
In addition to the four masked parties listed above, the independent data monitoring committee and third-party statisticians conducting the primary data analysis were also masked to treatment assignments. Unblinding codes were securely held by a designated unmasked statistician not involved in interim analyses or daily study conduct.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Endoscopically confirmed Grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids History of hemorrhoidal symptoms persisting for more than 6 weeks prior to screening Age 18 to 70 years inclusive at time of informed consent Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures, schedules, and follow-up requirements
Exclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of Grade 1 or Grade 4 hemorrhoids Any known anorectal malignancy or suspicion of malignancy Active bleeding from sources other than hemorrhoids Currently pregnant or lactating women, or women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception Known hypersensitivity or allergy to any component of Nimsai Herbal or placebo Significant systemic diseases including severe cardiovascular disease, severe renal impairment, severe hepatic dysfunction, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c \> 9%) Any medical or psychiatric condition that might compromise participant safety or data integrity Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days prior to screening Use of concurrent treatments for hemorrhoids within 7 days prior to screening History of hemorrhoidectomy or other invasive hemorrhoid procedures within the last 6 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhoid Regression Rate | Day 10 | Percentage of participants achieving a clinical response at Day 10, defined as either a reduction in Goligher grade or a ≥75% reduction in composite hemorrhoid severity score from baseline. The composite score is the sum of clinician-assessed scores for pain, bleeding, itching, and swelling, each rated on a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (total range 0-40). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Analog Scale Symptom Score Change | Baseline to Day 10 | Mean change from baseline in self-reported overall hemorrhoid symptom severity at Day 10, measured on a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (0 = no symptoms, 10 = most severe symptoms). |
| Symptom Resolution Rate | Day 10 | Percentage of participants achieving complete resolution of all baseline hemorrhoid symptoms (composite severity score = 0) at Day 10. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)