Testing a natural plant extract to prevent transplant rejection complications

Plain-English translation of NCT07724873 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1/2 — A combined trial that checks safety and dosing while also starting to look at whether the treatment works.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether Withaferin A, an active compound from the ashwagandha plant, can help prevent graft-versus-host disease (a serious complication where transplanted cells attack your body) in patients undergoing stem cell transplants. You would take this medication by mouth for three months after your transplant, in addition to your standard anti-rejection drugs. Researchers want to find the safest and most effective dose of the treatment.

Graft-versus-host disease is one of the most dangerous complications after stem cell transplants and can be fatal. Early laboratory studies suggest this medication has anti-inflammatory properties that might help prevent it, so doctors want to test whether it actually works in real patients and whether it is safe to use alongside standard transplant medications.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood disorder requiring a stem cell transplant
you are receiving a transplant from a matched family member (a 10/10 genetic match)
you have good heart, lung, liver, and kidney function before your transplant
you are able to give informed consent and willing to participate
if you are a woman who can become pregnant, you test negative for pregnancy before starting

You likely don't qualify if…

you are allergic or sensitive to ashwagandha or withaferin A
you have an active, uncontrolled infection at the time of transplant
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or not using reliable contraception
you have a psychiatric condition that prevents you from understanding the study or consenting to it
you cannot attend regular outpatient visits for monitoring

What participation looks like

After your stem cell transplant, you would take the study medication by mouth daily (in increasing doses tested in the trial) for 90 days, along with your regular transplant medications. You would come to the clinic twice a week for the first 100 days for blood tests, check-ups, and monitoring for side effects or signs of graft-versus-host disease. After day 100, you would attend weekly visits for another 9 months, then yearly follow-up visits to monitor how well the transplant is working and whether the medication helped prevent complications.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 20, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

India

Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov