Clinical Trials in Bethesda, MD

Clinical trials are medical research studies designed to answer specific questions about new therapies, procedures, or treatments, by testing them in people. This carefully conducted research helps to determine if the therapy is safe and effective.

Intramural Clinical Trials

• Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Insulin Sensitivity and Capillary Recruitment in Subjects with Essential Hypertension
  Dark chocolate and other cocoa products contain antioxidants including epicatechin that have beneficial effects on vascular function. Past studies showed that eating dark chocolate lowered blood pressure in elderly subjects and drinking cocoa improved flow-mediated vasodilatation. Research has also shown that regulation of hemodynamic and metabolic homeostasis are coupled such that individuals with essential hypertension are also insulin resistant. This study will examine whether dark chocolate consumption will improve both blood pressure and insulin sensitivity in people with essential hypertension. More information (ClinicalTrials.gov)

  The dark chocolate study has been completed.

  • Muniyappa R, Hall G, Kolodziej TL, Karne RJ, Crandon SK, Quon MJ. Cocoa consumption for 2 wk enhances insulin-mediated vasodilatation without improving blood pressure or insulin resistance in essential hypertension. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2008 Dec;88(6):1685–96.

• Effect of EGCG on the Body's Response to Insulin
  Drinking green tea is associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality in epidemiological studies. In laboratory studies, we found that the green tea catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a bioactive polyphenol that mimics or augments beneficial metabolic, vascular, and anti-inflammatory actions of insulin in cells and in animals. Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are diseases characterized by the presence of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Therapies that improve insulin resistance often simultaneously improve endothelial function and vice versa.

  This clinical study will examine whetheroral EGCG therapy improves insulin resistance or lowers blood pressure in healthy individuals and in people with diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure. Results from this study may have important implications for understanding potential health benefits of functional foods that contain bioactive polyphenols including green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine. More information (ClinicalTrials.gov)

  Contact information for this study:

  Gloria Shuler, RN, BSN
  Phone: (301) 496-3244
  E-mail: shulerg@mail.nih.gov

• Effect of Tai Chi Chuan Compared to a Structured Exercise Program on Parameters of Physical Fitness and Stress in Adult Cancer Survivors
  This study will compare the effectiveness of tai chi (a sequence of slow, graceful body movements) and a cardiovascular exercise fitness program in improving physical fitness and endurance, reducing stress and improving well-being in adult survivors of cancer. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three study groups: tai chi, exercise training, or a waiting list. Individuals in the tai chi and exercise training groups participate in a supervised program for 1 hour 3 times a week for 12 weeks in the NIH Clinical Center.
  More information
  Download our flier (PDF)

  Contact information for this study:

  Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
  Phone: 1-800-411-1222
  E-mail: prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

• Mistletoe Extract and Gemcitabine for the Treatment of Solid Tumor Cancers
  This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of the combination of mistletoe extract and gemcitabine in patients with solid tumor cancers. Gemcitabine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat various cancers, including those of the lung, bowel, breast and pancreas. FDA has approved mistletoe extract for use in cancer treatment studies. Mistletoe extract has been used either alone or together with conventional anti-cancer drugs to treat cancer in tens of thousands of patients in Europe. Data from some studies suggest that this substance may stimulate the immune system and may make cancer patients feel better overall.  More Information

  This study has completed enrollment.

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