PMA-Zeolite-Clinoptilolite Effects in Crohn Disease

Background of the study Crohn´s disease (CD) is a chronic progressive destructive disease. Approximately one-fifth of adult and paediatric patients already have evidence of a structuring or penetrating intestinal complications at diagnosis. Despite decades of research, the aetiology of CD remains unknown. Disease treatments include a variety of approaches like dietary changes and immunosuppressive anti-TNFa antibodies as well as ancillary antibiotic therapy. Another interesting and promising approach in this context might be the supplementation of the certified medical device PMA-(Panaceo micro activation)-zeolite (a specific natural zeolite-clinoptilolite) due to its properties documented through many studies. In particular, the promising clinical results from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with PMA-zeolite need to be highlighted. The strengthening/ supporting of the intestinal wall integrity in healthy subjects suffering from intestinal problems was measured in this RCT and is claimed as intended main action of the PMA-zeolite. Based on these results the application of PMA-zeolite is an interesting and promising approach in patients with uncontrolled CD. Hypothesis In the present trial, it is being tested if supplementing PMA-zeolite can lead to an improvement of the defined markers and parameters (reduction of local and systemic inflammation, changes of the microbiota in the gut, positive detoxifying effect and general improvement of quality of life) in patients with uncontrolled CD compared to a healthy test-group. Aims This pilot study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PMA-zeolite when used in patients with uncontrolled CD. The effect of the PMA-zeolite will be compared between a control-group (healthy volunteers) receiving either PMA-zeolite or placebo and the test-group (suffering from uncontrolled CD) and receiving either PMA-zeolite or placebo. In addition, this pilot-study should furthermore provide indications for the effect-size in order to estimate an effect for an eventual further human trial.