NCT07054645 · NOT YET RECRUITING
Elderberry Functional Gum and Cognitive & Oral Health in Older Adults
This trial is testing whether chewing gum infused with elderberry anthocyanins — natural plant compounds with antioxidant properties — can support cognitive function and balance the oral microbiome in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants chew either the elderberry gum or a placebo gum daily. This is a Phase NA study, meaning it is a randomized controlled trial focused on feasibility and early effect measurement, not a late-stage proven therapy.
You may qualify if
- Individuals aged 60 and over
- Individuals with mildly reduced cognitive function using the MoCA test (MoCA score: 20-25)
- Those with stable systemic diseases (e.g. HT, controlled DM)
- Those with adequate dental health (≥20 natural teeth or no chewing problems with functional prosthesis)
- Non-smokers and those who use regular medication and do not use antibiotics or antiseptic mouthwashes that could seriously affect the oral microbiota
- Individuals who are willing to participate in the study and can give written consent
You're excluded if
- Moderate to severe dementia (MoCA \< 20)
- Presence of active infection or systemic inflammatory disease
- Temporomandibular joint disorders affecting gum chewing function
- Use of probiotics, prebiotics, or antibiotics within the last three months
- Known allergy to elderberry or its components
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2025-07-08