The Benefits of Chlorophyll

Some research indicates chlorophyll might assist with wound repair, offer protection against certain cancers, and even aid in weight management, among other claimed advantages. Natural sources include wheatgrass and parsley.

Chlorophyll is essential for plants’ green color and vitality. It also contains vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic qualities that could offer health-promoting effects.

You can obtain chlorophyll from whole foods or via supplements, although supplemental forms may be more readily absorbed. This is partly because natural chlorophyll can be broken down during digestion before the body can use it.

This article reviews the possible advantages and hazards of chlorophyll, ways to incorporate it into your diet, and tips for selecting a supplement.

Claims made about chlorophyll supplements

Most supplements labeled as chlorophyll are actually chlorophyllin, a derivative in which copper replaces magnesium. When people take chlorophyllin, the copper shows up in the plasma, indicating that absorption has occurred.

Fortuitously, chlorophyllin shares many properties with natural chlorophyll.

If you look at product labels, common advertised benefits include:

• boosting immune function
• eliminating fungal organisms
• cleansing the blood
• clearing the intestines
• removing unpleasant odors
• increasing energy
• cancer prevention

That said, scientific evidence is mixed on whether chlorophyll actually delivers these health effects. Larger, well-designed human trials are necessary to better define its benefits.

What benefits does chlorophyll offer?

Scientists are still investigating chlorophyll’s possible effects on health. Below is a summary of what current studies suggest.

1. Skin repair

In smaller trials, chlorophyllin has demonstrated potential for reducing inflammation and bacterial contamination in skin wounds.

An older 2008 review of wound-care literature included several studies examining ointments with papain-urea-chlorophyllin.

Some individual trials found these ointments more effective than alternatives, but the reviewers emphasized the need for larger, more rigorous studies to confirm the outcomes.

There’s also preliminary evidence that chlorophyllin can help other dermatologic issues, from small pilot trials. Pilot studies are small-scale research performed before larger investigations.

A pilot trial of 10 participants with acne and enlarged pores showed skin improvement after using topical chlorophyllin gel for three weeks.

Another small pilot study, also with 10 participants, reported improvements in sun-damaged skin after eight weeks of topical chlorophyllin application.

A study with 24 participants evaluated an over-the-counter topical gel containing chlorophyllin alongside other ingredients and noted improvements in aging-related skin changes and acne. Because the product contained multiple active ingredients, isolating the specific effects of chlorophyllin is difficult.

2. Supporting blood health

Some proponents claim liquid chlorophyll improves blood quality by enhancing red blood cells.

A 2004 pilot study suggested that wheatgrass, which is roughly 70% chlorophyll, reduced the need for blood transfusions in people with thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder.

However, the authors did not definitively attribute the reduced transfusion requirement to chlorophyll itself.

Wheatgrass is also relatively rich in iron, which can support red blood cell production in people with iron-deficiency anemia, and it contains helpful antioxidants.

Overall, it remains unclear whether liquid chlorophyll specifically benefits red blood cells.

3. Detoxification and cancer-related research

Scientists have explored chlorophyll and chlorophyllin for possible anticancer effects.

One study examined chlorophyll’s influence on pancreatic cancer cell growth.

In mice implanted with human pancreatic cancer cells, daily oral chlorophyll significantly decreased tumor size.

While animal findings are encouraging, human trials are limited. A small study with four volunteers indicated chlorophyll might bind dietary aflatoxin, a carcinogenic compound, and limit its effects.

Trials are being developed to determine whether a chlorophyll-rich diet—boosting leafy greens like spinach and parsley—affects colorectal cancer risk. Such a diet would also supply more fiber and antioxidants, which could contribute to cancer prevention.

However, one study found that adherence to the prescribed diet was lower than expected, with participants meeting the diet just 73.2% of the time.

A review suggests chlorophyll could have potential against several cancers, including:

• colon cancer
• liver cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• lung cancer

Most of the proposed anticancer actions are inferred from chlorophyll’s chemistry and animal or in vitro studies rather than robust human clinical trials.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that a varied, nutritious plant-forward diet may reduce cancer risk by supporting overall health and immune function.

4. Weight management

One common claim about liquid chlorophyll is that it helps with weight loss, but evidence remains sparse.

A 2014 study with 38 women reported that those taking a green plant membrane supplement containing chlorophyll daily lost more weight than participants who did not.

The investigators also observed reductions in harmful cholesterol markers. The exact mechanism and whether chlorophyll was responsible are still unknown.

Laboratory and animal experiments suggest chlorophyll may reduce the amount of fatty acids absorbed by intestinal cells and curb lipid accumulation.

5. Natural odor control

Chlorophyllin has been used since the 1940s to neutralize certain smells, but the older studies are mixed and somewhat outdated.

The most recent trial involving patients with trimethylaminuria—a condition that causes a fish-like odor—found chlorophyllin significantly lowered levels of trimethylamine.

Evidence supporting chlorophyllin for bad breath is limited.

Possible risks and side effects

Natural chlorophyll and chlorophyllin are not known to be toxic, but some side effects can occur, including:

• gastrointestinal upset
• diarrhea
• green, yellow, or dark-colored stools, which could be mistaken for bleeding
• topical itching or burning sensations

There’s limited data on chlorophyllin use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider before use. Chlorophyllin may also interact with medications.

How to use chlorophyll supplements

Chlorophyllin supplements are commonly sold in health food stores, pharmacies, and natural-food retailers.

Supplement formats include:

• tablets
• topical ointments
• sprays
• liquid concentrates

Oregon State University reports that typical chlorophyllin doses range from 100 to 300 milligrams per day, divided into three administrations.

Because supplements are not tightly regulated, product dosages vary. Talk with your clinician to determine whether you need chlorophyllin and what dose may be appropriate.

Some people add liquid chlorophyll to recipes, mix powdered forms into water, juice, or sauces, or blend fresh greens into smoothies.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting chlorophyllin or any botanical supplement, particularly if you take prescription medications or have medical conditions.

Natural food sources

The blog Cook (almost) Anything outlines a method to make homemade liquid chlorophyll from parsley and water. About three ounces of parsley yield roughly 2 tablespoons of chlorophyll. The recipe is available here.

You can use homemade chlorophyll in smoothies, such as recipes from The Green Lean Bean.

Fresh green vegetables and herbs are likely good chlorophyll sources. Examples include:

• wheatgrass
• green beans
• spinach
• parsley
• arugula
• peas
• leeks

Oregon State University notes that one cup of raw spinach provides about 24 mg of chlorophyll, while one cup of parsley supplies around 19 mg. Blending parsley with water creates a basic “liquid chlorophyll” drink.

Other leafy greens typically contain between 4 and 15 mg per cup.

The richest sources are plants that are green throughout. Vegetables like broccoli and asparagus may be green on the exterior but have paler interiors and thus lower chlorophyll content.

Wheatgrass and related benefits

Wheatgrass is often used in complementary medicine for several conditions.

A review of wheatgrass juice therapy concluded it may be useful for individuals requiring:

• fewer blood transfusions
• support during anticancer therapy
• ulcer healing
• laxative effects
• tooth decay prevention

Wheatgrass oil—made by roasting wheatgrass until black and pressing out the oil—may help reduce scarring, although additional study is needed.

You can often find wheatgrass at health food stores, farmers markets, or purchase seeds and grow it yourself. Powdered wheatgrass is also widely available.

Summary

Chlorophyll occurs naturally in plants and is also available as a supplement. It may offer several health advantages, such as supporting skin healing and potentially lowering cancer risk, but current research is limited.

More extensive studies are required to confirm these effects. You can boost chlorophyll intake by eating more greens like spinach, parsley, and arugula, or by using supplements sold at health shops and pharmacies.

Always consult your physician before beginning any new supplement regimen.