Chlorophyll Benefits: Top Detoxifying Plant Pigment?

You’ve undoubtedly heard of chlorophyll, and you probably know that plants couldn’t live without it. Still, you may wonder: What is chlorophyll exactly, and are there chlorophyll benefits for humans?

As we learned back in science class, chlorophyll is a type of plant pigment responsible for the absorption of light in the process of photosynthesis, which creates energy.

Why is it important for humans beyond sustaining plant life? Turns out, it is linked to natural cancer prevention, can block carcinogenic effects within the body and protects DNA from damage caused by toxic molds like aflatoxin, very similar to the way in which chlorophyll-rich chlorella has anti-cancer properties.

It also holds major promise as a natural weight loss ingredient, and those are just some of the major chlorophyll benefits for human health, all of which help cleanse the body and allow it to function at an optimal level.

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the green substance in plants that makes it possible for them to make food from carbon dioxide and water. It’s found in all green plants, including leafy greens and other veggies we commonly eat, plus certain types of algae or bacteria.

Plants and algae use chlorophyll to trap light from the sun that’s needed for photosynthesis, which is why it is considered a “chelate.” In fact, it’s considered the single most important chelator found in nature, since it gives plants energy, which then give us energy.

There are two main forms of chlorophyll found in nature: chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b. There is a small difference between the two types, basically that each absorbs light from the sun at slightly different wavelengths.

In natural plants containing chlorophyll, there is a ratio of 3:1 cholorophyll-a (a bluish-black solid) to cholorophyll-b (a dark green solid), which both work together to reflect the dark green pigment that’s visible to the human eye.

While chlorophyll is totally natural, a similar semi-synthetic mixture called chlorophyllin is made in laboratories and used in supplements, such as those marketed as “liquid chlorophyll.” These supplements have been in existence for decades and are commonly used to treat skin wounds, body odor, digestive problems and other health concerns.

Chlorophyllin supplements are believed to help neutralize oxidants, which means they effectively decrease oxidative damage caused by factors like a poor diet, chemical carcinogens, UV light exposure and radiation.

What are the top chlorophyll benefits?

1. May help fight cancer

Studies have found that chlorophyll and liquid chlorophyllin can bind to potential carcinogens and interfere with how they’re absorbed within the human gastrointestinal track. This helps stop them from circulating throughout the body and reaching susceptible tissues, such as those within the joints or heart.

Reports by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University showed that chlorophyllin and chlorophyll were equally effective at blocking uptake of aflatoxin-B1 in humans and decreasing biomarkers of aflatoxin-induced DNA damage. Findings from several other animal and human studies suggest that these effects help lower the risk for certain types of cancers, including liver and colon cancer.

The mechanism by which chlorophyll decreases the risk for cancer development and cleanses the liver is by interfering with the metabolism of chemicals’ procarcinogen, which must first be metabolized in order to damage DNA. Within the human body, enzymes called cytochrome P450 activate procarcinogens and turn them into active carcinogens, which go on to attack healthy cells.

This means inhibiting their effects can help stop the process of chemically induced cancers.

Diets that are high in red meat and low in green vegetables are associated with increased colon cancer risk. This is sometimes blamed on toxins released from cooked meat, including one called haem, which increases colonic cytotoxicity and epithelial cell proliferation.

Some research suggests that human colon cancer cells experience “cell arrest” when exposed to chlorophyllin due to inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase activity, which helps protect DNA and boosts synthesis and repair.

One human clinical study published in Cancer Prevention Research even found that chlorophyll and its derivative chlorophyllin may help reduce cancer risk by limiting exposure to carcinogens. In this crossover trial, volunteers who consumed chlorophyll alongside aflatoxin (a known cancer-causing toxin linked to liver cancer) showed significantly reduced absorption of the toxin, suggesting chlorophyll can bind to carcinogens in the gut and lower their bioavailability in the body.

2. May improve liver detoxification

Another way chlorophyll might protect healthy cells and bodily tissue is by increasing phase II biotransformation enzymes. These promote optimal liver health and therefore the body’s natural elimination of potentially harmful toxins.

Some studies involving animals have indicated that chlorophyllin may reduce the risk for aflatoxin-induced liver damage or liver cancer by increasing activity of these phase II enzymes and removing bodily toxins.

Aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cancer because it’s metabolized to a carcinogen that causes cellular mutations. In animal studies, supplementing with chlorophyllin at the same time as consuming high amounts of dietary AFB1 significantly reduced the amount of DNA damage that developed.

This is especially important for people who consume high amounts of grains or legumes, such as those living in underdeveloped nations.

In China, a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial involving 180 adults with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic hepatitis B infection gave participants either 100 milligrams of chlorophyllin or a placebo before meals three times daily. After 16 weeks of taking chlorophyllin, AFB1 levels dropped an average of 55 percent more in those taking chlorophyllin compared to those taking the placebo, suggesting chlorophyll supports liver health in a useful and safe way.

3. May help speed up wound healing

Chlorophyllin seems to slow the rate at which harmful bacteria reproduce, making it beneficial for wound healing and preventing infections. Since about the 1940s, chlorophyllin has been added to certain ointments used to heal persistent open wounds in humans, such as a vascular ulcer and pressure ulcer.

One clinical study published in the American Journal of Surgery found that chlorophyll derivatives may help accelerate wound healing when applied topically. In this study, patients with wounds such as burns, surgical wounds and donor sites experienced improved healing outcomes, including faster tissue repair and reduced infection, suggesting the potential to support skin regeneration by promoting healthy tissue growth and limiting bacterial activity.

4. Can aid digestion and weight control

Chlorophyll benefits detoxification by speeding up waste elimination, balancing fluid levels and reducing cases of constipation. Additionally, research shows chlorophyll supports metabolism and increases the likelihood of success with weight loss efforts.

A 2014 study conducted by the Department of Experimental Medical Science at Lund University in Sweden found that chlorophyll supplements taken along with a high-carbohydrate meal decreased feelings of hunger, elevated cholecystokinin levels and helped prevent hypoglycemia in overweight women.

Prior to the study, previous research had shown that chlorophyll, taken in the form of thylakoid supplements, helped balance the release of hormones that make us feel fuller, including cholecystokinin, ghrelin and insulin.

Another randomized, controlled trial published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that chlorophyll-rich spinach extracts (thylakoids) may support weight control by increasing satiety and reducing hunger. In this study, overweight and obese participants who consumed thylakoid supplements experienced significantly reduced hunger and food cravings compared to placebo, suggesting that chlorophyll-containing compounds can help regulate appetite and support reduced calorie intake over time.

Chlorophyllin has also been shown to help ease chronic constipation and excessive gas in geriatric patients.

5. Protects skin

There’s some evidence that chlorophyll boosts skin health due its antiviral properties, allowing it to help stop the development of cold sores within the mouth or genital area caused by the herpes simplex virus. Some early studies have found that when chlorophyll-containing ointment or cream is applied to skin, it helps reduce the number of sores that appear and speeds up healing time, making it a natural herpes treatment.

It might also be able to protect the skin from shingles, reducing symptoms like painful sores, plus lower the risk for skin cancer. Injecting chlorophyll directly into the skin or applying it via lotion has been found to help reduce the recurrence of cancerous cells in people with basal cell carcinoma, a very common type of skin cancer.

Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology also found that topical chlorophyllin may help protect and improve skin health. In this pilot study, participants with acne-prone skin who applied a chlorophyllin-containing gel for three weeks experienced statistically significant improvements in skin appearance, including reduced acne and pore size, likely due to chlorophyll’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help protect skin cells from damage.

6. Combats inflammation

The Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute in India has revealed that chlorophyll from fresh green leaves has potent anti-inflammatory activities against dangerous bacteria and other environmental toxins.

It helps turn off a pro-inflammatory cytokine called lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α, making it a promising treatment option for inflammation and related chronic diseases that conventional medicine has failed to control.

Further research also confirms chlorophyll possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

7. May help boost energy

Thanks to its potential role in improving oxygen transport and reducing oxidative stress, this plant pigment may help support natural energy levels. By aiding cellular function and promoting efficient oxygen use, it can contribute to reduced fatigue and improved physical performance without relying on stimulants.

8. Supports red blood cells

Chlorophyll has a molecular structure that closely resembles hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Because of this similarity, it may help support healthy red blood cell production and improve oxygen delivery.

This can contribute to better circulation, enhanced endurance and overall vitality.

One small study involving healthy volunteers found that consuming water-soluble chlorophyll may influence red blood cell behavior by reducing “rouleaux formation,” a condition where red blood cells clump together and impair circulation. In this study of 20 participants, chlorophyll intake led to a measurable reduction in red blood cell aggregation and improved blood flow markers, suggesting it may help support healthier red blood cell function and circulation.

9. Fights cell damage

This compound is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. By combating cell damage, it may play a role in slowing signs of aging and supporting long-term cellular health.

This protective effect is one reason chlorophyll is often associated with disease prevention and overall wellness.

10. May combat odor

One of the lesser-known potential chlorophyll benefits is its ability to act as a natural deodorizer. It may help reduce body odor, bad breath and even internal odors by binding to odor-causing compounds.

For this reason, it has historically been used to support digestive health and improve freshness from the inside out.

Risks and side effects

Because they are completely natural, chlorophyll and chlorophyllin are not known to be toxic. In fact, there have been practically no toxic effects attributed to their consumption, even in people with weak immune systems, such as those healing from cancer.

While the risk for toxicity is extremely low, chlorophyllin supplements might cause minor adverse effects like green discoloration of urine or feces, temporary discoloration of the tongue, or mild indigestion/diarrhea. These usually go away quickly and are only caused by supplemental chlorophyllin use, as opposed to eating foods that naturally contain chlorophyll.

In pregnant women, chlorophyll or chlorophyllin supplements haven’t been researched very much, so at this time it’s not recommended that they’re used during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

One interaction to keep in mind is that certain medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitizing drugs) can interact with chlorophyll. This means taking these medications along with chlorophyll can increase sensitivity to sunlight even more and make you susceptible to burns.

Use chlorophyll supplements carefully if you take photosensitive drugs or are especially prone to sunburns, blistering or rashes when you’re exposed to UV light.

What foods have chlorophyll?

What’s the best way to detox using chlorophyll? The very best sources of chlorophyll found on the planet are green vegetables and algae.

Here are some of the top chlorophyll foods to incorporate into your diet to experience all of the chlorophyll benefits:

• Leafy green vegetables: Green veggies like kale, spinach, mustard greens, Romaine lettuce and Swiss chard get their signature pigment from a high concentration of chlorophyll. Ideally, every day you should consume some variety of leafy greens, but if you find this difficult consider juicing greens instead.
• Raw or lightly cooked foods: An interesting finding published by the Institute of Food Technologies is that chlorophyll content is decreased when green veggies are cooked, thawed after being frozen or when they start to spoil. For example, the amount of chlorophyll in spinach was decreased by about 35 percent after it was thawed and another 50 percent after it was boiled or steamed. To consume the most chlorophyll from your diet, try eating more of a raw food diet or lightly cooking your veggies using low temperatures.

Here is a list of the chlorophyll content (bound to magnesium) of selected raw vegetables:

• 1 cup spinach: 23.7 milligrams
• 1/2 cup parsley: 19.0 milligrams
• 1 cup watercress: 15.6 milligrams
• 1 cup green beans: 8.3 milligrams
• 1 cup arugula: 8.2 milligrams
• 1 cup leeks: 7.7 milligrams
• 1 cup endive: 5.2 milligrams
• 1 cup sugar snap peas: 4.8 milligrams
• 1 cup Chinese cabbage: 4.1 milligrams

Chlorella is a type of blue-green algae that’s native to parts of Asia, and it is packed with chlorophyll in addition to many phytonutrients, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Just like chlorophyll itself, chlorella is tied to healthy hormonal balance, detoxification, cardiovascular health, and lower levels of inflammation, blood pressure and cholesterol.

In addition to consuming the algae, for convenience sake you can also take extracted chlorella supplements in either powder or tablet form.

It’s also found in phytoplankton, spirulina and even the peel of a tangerine.

Supplements and dosage

In addition to eating green-colored foods that provide chlorophyll, there are also supplements that provide the beneficial properties of the plant pigment. Supplements and recommended doses include the following:

• Chlorophyllin supplements: Green algae like chlorella are often used to make chlorophyllin, which is found in most supplements. That’s because natural chlorophyll is not very shelf-stable and is prone to degradation, making it hard to consume and very expensive. Oral doses of chlorophyllin supplements taken in amounts about 100 to 300 milligrams per day (usually divided into three doses) have been used safely with almost no dangers for over five decades.
• Liquid chlorophyll and other common sources: Supplemental chlorophyll can be found in herbal treatments, including alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and silkworm droppings. If you have access to liquid chlorophyll, try adding a few drops to a glass of water once or twice a day. It will turn your water a bright green color, but rest assured that it doesn’t taste as bad as it might look and might help give you a little boost in energy when sipped throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a natural green pigment found in plants and algae that plays a key role in photosynthesis, the process plants use to convert sunlight into energy. In human nutrition, it is valued for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including detoxification, skin support and improved energy levels.

What are the main chlorophyll benefits?

Chlorophyll benefits include supporting detoxification, promoting healthy skin, reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, supporting red blood cells, fighting oxidative stress, combating odor and boosting natural energy levels.

Does chlorophyll help detox the body?

It may support the body’s natural detoxification processes by helping bind to toxins and heavy metals, making them easier to eliminate. It also supports liver function, which is essential for effective detoxification.

Can chlorophyll improve skin health?

Yes, it may help improve skin by reducing inflammation, supporting wound healing and fighting acne-causing bacteria. Its antioxidant properties also help protect skin cells from damage.

Does chlorophyll give you more energy?

Chlorophyll may help boost energy by supporting oxygen transport in the body and reducing oxidative stress. This can improve cellular efficiency and help reduce fatigue.

Can chlorophyll reduce body odor?

Chlorophyll is known for its natural deodorizing properties. It may help reduce bad breath and body odor by neutralizing odor-causing compounds internally.

Is liquid chlorophyll better than eating greens?

Both liquid chlorophyll and whole greens provide chlorophyll benefits. However, whole greens also contain fiber, vitamins and minerals. Liquid chlorophyll can be a convenient supplement for those looking to increase their intake quickly.

Are there any side effects of chlorophyll?

It is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts. Some people may experience mild digestive upset or green discoloration of stool, which is harmless.

What foods are high in chlorophyll?

Foods rich in chlorophyll include leafy greens like spinach, kale, parsley, arugula and wheatgrass. These foods provide a natural and nutrient-dense source of this pigment.

How often should you take chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll can be consumed daily through green vegetables or supplements. The ideal amount depends on individual health goals and the form used, but consistency is key for experiencing benefits.

Conclusion

• Chlorophyll benefits include helping fight cancer, improving liver detoxification, speeding up wound healing, improving digestion and weight control, and protecting skin health.
• The primary reason it is considered a superfood is because of its strong antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Chlorophyll benefits the immune system because it’s able to form tight molecular bonds with certain chemicals that contribute to oxidative damage and diseases, like cancer or liver disease.
• The very best sources found on the planet are green vegetables and algae. Some of the top food sources to incorporate into your diet include green leafy veggies like kale, spinach and Swiss chard. Cooking these foods decreases the nutrient content and lowers the chlorophyll benefits you get, so eat them raw or lightly cooked to preserve the nutrients.
• Consuming chlorella, chlorophyllin supplements and liquid chlorophyll is also a way to get the antioxidant green color pigment in your system.