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Chlorophyllins

Also known as: Chlorophyllin, copper chlorophyllin, sodium copper chlorophyllin

Overview

Chlorophyllins are semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivatives of chlorophyll, primarily found as copper salts. Unlike natural chlorophyll, they lack the phytol tail and have magnesium replaced by copper, which enhances their stability and solubility. Extracted from green plants like spinach and alfalfa, chlorophyllins are widely used as dietary supplements for their potential roles in detoxification, internal odor control, and wound healing. They also serve as a common food coloring agent. Key characteristics include their water solubility, stability, and improved bioavailability compared to native chlorophyll. Research indicates that chlorophyllins possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticarcinogenic properties. While several preclinical and clinical studies exist, the overall research maturity is moderate, with clinical evidence often limited and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for more large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Benefits

Chlorophyllin offers several potential benefits, with varying strengths of evidence. Its most notable effect is in chemoprevention, particularly in reducing aflatoxin-DNA adducts, which suggests a role in mitigating carcinogen-induced DNA damage. A human trial demonstrated that 300 mg/day of chlorophyllin supplementation significantly reduced aflatoxin biomarkers, indicating its potential for individuals at risk of liver cancer. For odor control, chlorophyllin is used to reduce body and fecal odor, with some clinical evidence supporting its efficacy. Limited clinical data also suggest that topical chlorophyllin may aid wound healing, attributed to its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Secondary benefits, primarily observed in in vitro and animal studies, include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the potential to modulate detoxification enzymes. Individuals exposed to dietary carcinogens, such as aflatoxins, are the primary population that may benefit most from chlorophyllin supplementation, as evidence in healthy populations is currently sparse. While some effects, like aflatoxin biomarker reduction, are statistically significant, clinical cancer prevention outcomes remain unproven.

How it works

Chlorophyllin primarily exerts its effects by binding to mutagenic compounds, such as aflatoxins, within the gastrointestinal tract. This binding action reduces the bioavailability of these toxins and subsequently decreases the formation of DNA adducts, which are precursors to DNA damage. Beyond its direct binding capabilities, chlorophyllin also functions as an antioxidant, effectively scavenging free radicals that can cause cellular damage. Furthermore, it modulates phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes, which are crucial for the body's natural detoxification processes. While its primary action occurs in the digestive system to prevent toxin absorption, systemic antioxidant effects may also occur after the absorption of chlorophyll derivatives into the bloodstream. Its known molecular targets include DNA adducts of carcinogens, reactive oxygen species, and various detoxification enzymes.

Side effects

Chlorophyllin is generally considered safe for short-term use, typically up to three months, at common dosages ranging from 100-300 mg/day. Serious adverse effects have not been reported in clinical trials. The most common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal discomfort and a harmless green discoloration of urine or feces. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, include photosensitivity reactions, which can increase the risk of sunburn or rash, especially when chlorophyllin is combined with other photosensitizing drugs. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, include allergic reactions. Regarding drug interactions, there is a potential for increased photosensitivity when taken with other photosensitizing medications. Chlorophyllin is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children due to a lack of sufficient safety data and its copper content. Caution is advised against prolonged high doses due to the potential risk of copper accumulation in the body.

Dosage

The recommended oral dosage for chlorophyllin typically ranges from 100 to 300 mg per day. For odor control, approximately 100 mg/day is considered a minimum effective dose, while chemoprevention trials have utilized dosages of 300 mg/day. The maximum safe dose for chlorophyllin is not well-established, and prolonged use at high doses is discouraged due to the potential for copper accumulation. Chlorophyllin is generally taken orally with meals, and there are no specific timing requirements for its administration. Water-soluble chlorophyllin salts are the preferred form for supplementation. The absorption and bioavailability of chlorophyllin can be influenced by the food matrix and individual metabolic variations. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is chlorophyllin safe long-term?

Safety beyond 3 months of use is not well established, and caution is advised for prolonged supplementation due to potential copper accumulation.

Does chlorophyllin cause photosensitivity?

Yes, chlorophyllin may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, especially when combined with other photosensitizing medications, increasing the risk of sunburn or rash.

How quickly does chlorophyllin work for odor control?

The effects of chlorophyllin for odor control may be observed within a few days to several weeks of consistent use.

Does chlorophyllin cure cancer?

No, chlorophyllin does not cure cancer. While evidence supports its potential chemopreventive effects, particularly in reducing carcinogen-induced DNA damage, it is not a treatment for cancer.

Can children take chlorophyllin?

The safety of chlorophyllin in children is not clearly established due to a lack of sufficient research; therefore, it should be used with caution in pediatric populations.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24670123/ – This systematic review by Ulbricht et al. (2014) consolidated evidence on chlorophyllin's safety and efficacy, highlighting its potential benefits in chemoprevention and odor control. The review noted the limited availability of high-quality clinical data, often characterized by small sample sizes and study heterogeneity, underscoring the need for more robust research.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384064/ – Martins et al. (2023) conducted a review that included in vivo absorption data, confirming the absorption of chlorophyll derivatives in humans and animals. The study emphasized the complexity of chlorophyllin's bioavailability and metabolism, pointing out the need for more human pharmacokinetic studies to fully understand its systemic effects.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-626/chlorophyllin – This clinical safety overview from WebMD summarizes that chlorophyllin is generally safe for short-term use (up to 3 months). It notes potential side effects such as photosensitivity and advises caution due to its copper content, providing a practical summary of clinical findings.