Sodium Chlorophyllin Complex
Also known as: Sodium copper chlorophyllin, chlorophyllin, SCC, chlorophyllin copper complex, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex
Overview
Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex (SCC) is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, where the central magnesium ion is replaced by copper, and the phytol tail is removed to enhance stability and bioavailability. It is widely used in both topical formulations and oral supplements. SCC is primarily recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repair properties, particularly in addressing photoaged skin. It also shows promise in chemoprevention and modulating gut health. Key characteristics include its ability to scavenge free radicals, inhibit hyaluronidase, modulate inflammatory cytokines, and influence extracellular matrix biomarkers. While several human and animal studies exist, large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are still limited, indicating a moderate but evolving research maturity level.
Benefits
SCC offers several evidence-based benefits. For skin repair, a human biopsy study (n=4) demonstrated that topical 0.05% SCC significantly increased fibrillin/amyloid P and epidermal mucins in photoaged skin, indicating improved extracellular matrix repair (p < 0.05). This suggests its utility for individuals with photoaged skin, though clinical outcomes like wrinkle reduction require further study. SCC also exhibits anticarcinogenic potential, with evidence from in vivo and in vitro models showing chemopreventive effects and systemic availability after oral intake (e.g., 300 mg/day). Furthermore, animal studies suggest benefits for gut health and inflammation, as SCC improved intestinal innate immunity, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and enhanced mucus layer thickness, potentially attenuating systemic inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) progression. Secondary effects include hyaluronidase inhibition, which helps preserve hyaluronic acid in the skin, and potential synergy with retinoids for enhanced skin repair. While statistically significant biomarker improvements have been observed, larger human trials are needed to confirm clinical efficacy and optimal dosing.
How it works
Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex (SCC) exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. It functions as a potent antioxidant, effectively scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. SCC also inhibits the hyaluronidase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down hyaluronic acid, thereby helping to preserve skin hydration and structure. Furthermore, it modulates inflammatory cytokine expression, specifically reducing pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. In the skin, SCC promotes the expression of extracellular matrix proteins like fibrillin and mucins, aiding in tissue repair. Oral SCC is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with detectable copper-chlorin derivatives in the blood and organs, suggesting systemic activity and potential chemopreventive effects.
Side effects
Overall, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex (SCC) is considered generally safe and well-tolerated at studied doses. In a human biopsy study, topical SCC was well tolerated with no reported adverse events. Similarly, oral SCC has not shown significant side effects in controlled studies. However, due to the limited number of large-scale trials, uncommon or rare side effects are not well documented. No specific drug interactions have been documented, but caution is advised when combining SCC with other agents affecting skin or immune function. There are no established contraindications. Insufficient data exist regarding the safety and efficacy of SCC in special populations, including pregnant, lactating, or pediatric individuals, thus its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for topical SCC was observed at 0.05%, showing biomarker effects after 12 days of application. For oral intake, doses of 300 mg/day have been studied for absorption and chemoprevention. Optimal dosage ranges are not yet well-defined, with research oral doses typically ranging from 10 to 300 mg/day, and topical formulations varying. A maximum safe dose has not been established, though no toxicity has been reported at studied doses. For skin effects, daily topical application for at least 12 days is suggested. Oral dosing protocols vary depending on the intended use. Liposomal topical gels are recommended for skin applications, while oral tablets are used for systemic effects. Oral bioavailability is influenced by gastrointestinal metabolism, and topical absorption depends on the formulation. Potential synergy with retinoids may enhance skin repair benefits.
FAQs
Is SCC effective for skin aging?
Yes, small human studies indicate that topical SCC can improve biomarkers associated with photoaged skin, such as increased fibrillin and mucins.
Is oral SCC absorbed?
Yes, studies have shown that copper-chlorin derivatives are detectable in human blood and organs after oral ingestion, indicating systemic absorption.
Are there safety concerns with SCC?
No significant adverse events have been reported in controlled studies for both topical and oral SCC, suggesting a good safety profile at studied doses.
How fast do benefits appear with SCC?
For topical application, changes in skin biomarkers have been observed within 12 days of use. Systemic effects' timing is less clear.
Does SCC work alone or with other agents?
SCC can work independently, but some research suggests it may have enhanced effects when combined with other agents like retinoids for skin repair.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4966572/ – This human biopsy study (n=4) investigated the effects of topical 0.05% SCC gel on photoaged skin over 12 days. It found that SCC significantly increased fibrillin/amyloid P and epidermal mucins, indicating improved extracellular matrix repair, without adverse events. The study highlights SCC's potential for skin repair but is limited by its small sample size and short duration.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384064/ – This review and in vivo study explored the absorption and chemopreventive potential of oral SCC. It confirmed that oral SCC (300 mg/day) leads to detectable copper-chlorin derivatives in human blood, supporting systemic bioavailability. Animal studies further demonstrated tissue distribution. The research underscores SCC's potential as a chemopreventive agent but calls for more extensive pharmacokinetic studies and large-scale clinical trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.739174/full – This animal model study investigated SCC's effects on high-fat diet-induced inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). SCC administration improved intestinal innate immunity, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and increased mucus layer thickness. These findings suggest SCC's anti-inflammatory and gut barrier benefits, though translation to human health requires further research.
- https://jddonline.com/chlorophyll-for-clear-skin-depression-isotretinoin/ – This article discusses the broader applications of chlorophyll and its derivatives, including SCC, for skin health. It touches upon its use for clear skin and potential interactions or synergistic effects with other treatments like isotretinoin, providing additional context on its dermatological relevance.