Cholorophyll
Also known as: Chlorophyll, Chlorophyllin, Copper-complexed chlorophyllin
Overview
Chlorophyll is a natural green pigment found in plants, essential for photosynthesis. Chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, often copper-complexed for enhanced stability and bioavailability, making it the form typically used in supplements. It is primarily recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-mutagenic properties. While native chlorophyll is poorly absorbed, chlorophyllin shows better absorption and is used as a dietary supplement, a food coloring, and for its proposed chemopreventive effects against certain carcinogens. It has also been explored for its deodorizing properties, though evidence for this use is inconsistent. Research on chlorophyllin is ongoing, with a moderate level of maturity, but high-quality clinical trials are still limited.
Benefits
Chlorophyllin exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, primarily demonstrated in in vitro and some human studies. Its potential as a chemopreventive agent is a key benefit, with research suggesting it can inhibit carcinogen absorption and protect DNA from damage. For instance, clinical trials using 300 mg/day of chlorophyllin derivatives have shown absorption and possible chemoprevention, particularly in populations exposed to carcinogens like smokers, where it may reduce DNA damage markers. While some evidence points to deodorizing effects on body and urinary odors, clinical efficacy for this benefit is inconsistent and lacks strong support. The overall strength of evidence for most benefits is moderate, with many findings stemming from preclinical or small human studies, indicating that while promising, more large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical significance.
How it works
Chlorophyllin's primary mechanism of action involves its potent antioxidant activity, where it scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. It also demonstrates anti-mutagenic properties by binding to and inactivating carcinogens in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing their absorption and subsequent DNA damage. Furthermore, chlorophyllin may modulate detoxification enzymes, enhancing the body's ability to neutralize harmful substances. While native chlorophyll is poorly absorbed, chlorophyllin and its metal-complexed derivatives, such as Cu-chlorin e4, show improved absorption and bioavailability, allowing for systemic effects. Its molecular targets include DNA protection from mutagens and modulation of various oxidative stress and potentially anti-inflammatory signaling pathways.
Side effects
Chlorophyllin is generally considered safe for oral use at moderate doses for up to three months. The most common side effect reported is mild gastrointestinal upset. A notable concern with chlorophyllin, particularly the copper-complexed form, is photosensitivity, which can lead to increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. While uncommon, this can manifest as skin reactions. Serious adverse effects are rare and have not been reported in controlled studies. However, due to its copper content, very high or prolonged doses of copper-complexed chlorophyllin could theoretically pose risks, especially for individuals with copper metabolism disorders. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised when co-administering with other photosensitizing medications. Safety in pregnant or lactating women and children has not been well established, and its use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for chlorophyllin is not definitively established, but clinical trials investigating its chemopreventive effects have commonly used dosages of 100–300 mg per day. For instance, studies on chemoprevention have utilized 300 mg/day of chlorophyllin derivatives. There is no specific timing recommendation for intake, as absorption typically occurs within hours of ingestion. Chlorophyllin supplements are generally preferred over native chlorophyll due to their enhanced stability and bioavailability. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly defined, and long-term, high-dose use, particularly of copper-complexed chlorophyllin, is generally discouraged due to potential concerns related to copper accumulation. Absorption can be influenced by the food matrix and gut metabolism, and metal complexation significantly improves its bioavailability.
FAQs
Does chlorophyll reduce body odor?
Evidence for chlorophyll's ability to reduce body odor is weak and inconsistent. Clinical trials, including those on urinary odor, have not shown significant or reliable effects.
Is chlorophyll safe for long-term use?
Safety beyond three months of continuous use is unclear. Potential concerns include photosensitivity and the accumulation of copper from copper-complexed chlorophyllin, warranting caution.
Can chlorophyll prevent cancer?
Preliminary evidence suggests chlorophyllin may have chemopreventive potential by binding carcinogens and protecting DNA. However, robust, large-scale clinical evidence is still lacking.
Is chlorophyll absorbed by the body?
Native chlorophyll is poorly absorbed. However, chlorophyllin and its derivatives, especially metal-complexed forms, show improved absorption and bioavailability in the body.
What are the common side effects of chlorophyll?
Common side effects are generally mild and include gastrointestinal upset. Photosensitivity, leading to increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, is also a possible side effect.
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. It found limited high-quality clinical evidence but noted its antioxidant and chemopreventive potential, highlighting the need for more robust studies despite its comprehensive nature.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384064/ – Martins et al. (2023) reviewed in vivo data, demonstrating the absorption of chlorophyll derivatives and highlighting their antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-cancer properties. The review emphasized the need for more human pharmacokinetic studies, as much of the data is preclinical, making its clinical relevance moderate despite strong biochemical insights.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-626/chlorophyllin – This WebMD summary, based on various small clinical studies, indicates that chlorophyllin is generally safe for short-term use (up to 3 months). It notes potential photosensitivity but concludes there is no strong evidence for its efficacy in odor reduction, reflecting a low to moderate quality of evidence due to limited large-scale RCTs.
