๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-18

Effect of Equol Supplementation on Arterial Stiffness and Cognition in Healthy Volunteers (NCT05741060)

Arterial Stiffness, Cognition and Equol

๐Ÿ”ต Active, Not Recruiting Phase2 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: Akira Sekikawa

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The ACE Trial, funded by the National Institute on Ageing/National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a multicenter clinical trial. The ACE Trial will determine if taking the dietary supplement Equol could slow the progression of stiffening of the arteries, small blood vessel disease in the brain and memory decline. Equol is a soy-based supplement that has plant estrogen-like compounds in it. Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavone. Our studies in Japan and other studies suggest that Equol may slow mechanisms related to memory decline. No previous studies in the United States have tested the effect of Equol on these mechanisms or memory decline. Supplementation of Equol in the ACE Trial is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, are recruiting participants. The ACE Trial will ask participants to complete 7 clinic visits over a two-year period. The participants are asked to take Equol tablets daily for 24 months. Clinic procedures include Pulse Wave Velocity (to measure arterial stiffness), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and tests of awareness and thinking.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Emory University โ€” Atlanta, Georgia

Age range: 65 Years to 85 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (3 Sites)

  • Emory University โ€” Atlanta, Georgia
  • Wake Forest University Health Sciences โ€” Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  • University of Pittsburgh โ€” Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—