Dr. Grey AI

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis. Supplements typically contain chlorophyllin (sodium copper chlorophyllin) rather than natural chlorophyll due to better stability and bioavailability. Marketed for body odor control, detoxification, wound healing, and cancer prevention. While chlorophyllin is FDA-approved for reducing body odor in colostomy patients, other claimed benefits have limited human evidence. Preclinical research suggests antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, and wound-healing properties. Best-studied use is for body odor control in medical settings.

Quick Answer

What it is

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis. Supplements typically contain chlorophyllin (sodium copper chlorophyllin) rather than natural chlorophyll due to better stability and bioavailability.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Aflatoxin-DNA Adduct Reduction
  • Grade C: Body & Fecal Odor Reduction
  • Grade C: White Blood Cell Count

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Chlorophyll

Quick Facts: Chlorophyll

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:9
  • Key Effect:Blood Health
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C3
D6
2 conditions · 9 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Aflatoxin-DNA Adduct Reduction
A landmark human RCT in Qidong, China demonstrated that chlorophyllin (100 mg three times daily) reduced urinary aflatoxin-DNA adducts by 55% compared to placebo. Multiple animal studies in rats and rainbow trout confirm chlorophyllin binds aflatoxin B1 in the GI tract, reducing its absorption and subsequent hepatocarcinogenesis.
large↓Worsens
C
Body & Fecal Odor Reduction
Chlorophyllin (as Derifil) is FDA-approved for controlling body and fecal odors in colostomy/ileostomy patients and those with fecal incontinence. Clinical use established since the 1950s, with mechanism involving binding of volatile sulfur-containing odor compounds in the gut.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Anti-mutagenic Activity
In vitro Ames test studies and animal models consistently show chlorophyllin inhibits mutagenesis from various carcinogens including aflatoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and mycotoxins (ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1). Mechanism involves binding planar carcinogens and inhibiting cytochrome P450 activation. However, one Drosophila study (PMID 24283476) found SCC itself could induce genetic damage at certain doses.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Hepatoprotective Effects
In rodent models, sodium copper chlorophyllin reduced carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury via inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Additional rat studies showed chlorophyllin combined with probiotic fermented milk attenuated aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis, with protective effects on gene expression markers. No controlled human trials for hepatoprotection.
small↓Improves
D
Wound Healing
Topical chlorophyllin was used clinically for wound healing before the antibiotic era. Older clinical reports from the 1940s-1950s documented faster healing of burns and chronic wounds. Proposed mechanisms include stimulation of tissue granulation and anti-inflammatory effects, but modern controlled trials are lacking.
small↑Improves
D
Facial Redness Reduction
A case series reported topical liposomal sodium copper chlorophyllin complex reduced facial redness in patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. In vitro studies showed chlorophyllin inhibits hyaluronidase, suggesting a mechanism for dermatological effects. Only uncontrolled case reports exist.
small↓Worsens
D
Trimethylamine Excretion Reduction
A small clinical trial in 7 Japanese patients with trimethylaminuria found that copper chlorophyllin (180 mg/day for 3 weeks) reduced urinary trimethylamine excretion. The effect was comparable to activated charcoal. Only a single small study exists.
small↓Worsens
C
White Blood Cell Count
An RCT of 105 patients with leukopenia found sodium copper chlorophyllin tablets (60 patients) improved peripheral white blood cell counts over 1 month compared to leucogen and placebo controls. A separate animal study in aplastic anemia mice showed effects on mesenchymal stem cell function. Limited to a single human RCT.
small↑Improves
D
Antioxidant Activity
In vitro studies demonstrate chlorophyllin scavenges free radicals and reduces lipid peroxidation via its porphyrin ring structure. A series of studies showed protective effects against peroxidative damage in rat liver lysosomes. However, no controlled human trials have confirmed systemic antioxidant effects.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (22)

Chemopreventive potential of chlorophyllin: a review of the mechanisms of action and molecular targets
(2015)
PMID: 25650669
In vitro genotoxicity of mycotoxins ochratoxin A and fumonisin B(1) could be prevented by sodium copper chlorophyllin--implication to their genotoxic mechanism
(2015)
PMID: 25306371
Topical Treatment With Liposomal Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Redness and Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Case Studies
(2015)
PMID: 26461829
In vitro inhibition of hyaluronidase by sodium copper chlorophyllin complex and chlorophyllin analogs
(2015)
PMID: 26300653
Effects of sodium copper chlorophyllin on mesenchymal stem cell function in aplastic anemia mice
(2013)
PMID: 23001462
Sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) induces genetic damage in postmeiotic and somatic wing cells of Drosophila melanogaster
(2013)
PMID: 24283476
Chlorophyll revisited: anti-inflammatory activities of chlorophyll a and inhibition of expression of TNF-α
(2012)
PMID: 24379012
Anticarcinogenic effect of probiotic fermented milk and chlorophyllin on aflatoxin-B₁-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats
(2012)
PMID: 21816119
Gene expression signature of DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinomas: modulation by chlorophyllin and ellagic acid
(2012)
PMID: 22485181
Effect of probiotic fermented milk and chlorophyllin on gene expressions and genotoxicity during AFB₁-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
(2011)
PMID: 21963996

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