Some studies suggest that chlorophyll can help with skin healing, cancer protection, and weight loss, among other benefits. Natural sources include wheatgrass and parsley.
Chlorophyll plays an important role in making plants green and healthy. It also has vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties that may have potential health benefits.
You can get chlorophyll from either plants or supplements, although supplements may be more effective. This is because chlorophyll may not survive digestion long enough for absorption.
This article covers chlorophyll’s potential benefits and risks, how to add it to your diet, and how to choose a supplement.
Marketed benefits of chlorophyll supplements
Chlorophyll supplements are actually chlorophyllin, which contains copper instead of magnesium. When doses of chlorophyllin are taken, the copper can be detected in plasma, which implies absorption has occurred.
Luckily, chlorophyllin has similar properties to chlorophyll.
When you’re shopping for chlorophyll supplements, you may notice that the marketed benefits are:
- stimulating the immune system
- eliminating fungus in the body
- detoxifying your blood
- cleaning your intestines
- getting rid of foul odors
- energizing the body
- preventing cancer
However, research results are mixed about whether chlorophyll can actually support your health in these ways. Larger, more rigorous studies are needed to better evaluate the potential health benefits of chlorophyll.
Researchers continue to explore how chlorophyll may be beneficial for health and wellness. Let’s explore a little bit of what we know so far.
1. Skin healing
In smaller studies, chlorophyllin has shown possible effects in reducing inflammation and bacterial growth in skin wounds.
An older 2008 review of wound care research involved several studies on ointments containing papain-urea-chlorophyllin.
While individual studies found this ointment more effective than other treatments, the reviewers note that larger, better-controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.
Chlorophyllin may also be effective for other skin conditions, as evidenced by the results of two pilot studies. A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study performed before a larger study or trial.
A 2015 pilot study of 10 people with acne and large pores saw skin improvement when using topical chlorophyllin gel for 3 weeks.
Another 2015 pilot study, also involving 10 people, found that using topical chlorophyllin over 8 weeks improved sun-damaged skin.
A 2018 study involving 24 people investigated the possible skin benefits of an over-the-counter (OTC) topical gel containing chlorophyllin and other ingredients. The results showed improvement in skin aging and acne. However, it’s important to note that chlorophyllin was not the only ingredient in the ointment, so it is difficult to isolate its specific benefit.
2. Blood builder
Some people suggest that liquid chlorophyll can build your blood by improving the quality of red blood cells.
A 2004 pilot study suggested that wheatgrass, which contains about 70% chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in people with thalassemia, a blood disorder.
However, it’s important to note that the study authors didn’t conclude that chlorophyll was the reason for the decreased need for transfusions.
Wheatgrass also contains a high amount of iron, which may support the creation of red blood cells in people affected by iron deficiency anemia. It also contains beneficial antioxidants.
Researchers still are not sure if liquid chlorophyll specifically benefits red blood cells.
3. Detoxification and cancer
Researchers have looked into the effect of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin on cancer.
A 2018 study assessed the effect of chlorophyll on the growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
Researchers found daily oral chlorophyll significantly reduced tumor size in mice transplanted with human pancreatic cancer cells.
While the results of animal studies are promising, human trials have only recently been conducted. A small study of four volunteers found that chlorophyll may limit the ingested aflatoxin, a compound known to cause cancer.
Trials are also being planned to examine how a chlorophyll-rich diet, which would involve increasing intake of leafy greens like spinach and parsley, could impact colon cancer risk. A diet high in chlorophyll-rich food may also provide increased fiber and antioxidants, which may benefit cancer prevention.
However, a 2019 feasibility study found that adherence to such a diet was lower than expected, with participants meeting guidelines only 73.2% of the time.
A 2023 review of research notes that chlorophyll may have benefits for multiple types of cancer, including:
- colon cancer
- liver cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- lung cancer
However, most potential benefits are based on the chemical composition of chlorophyll and the results of animal and test tube studies rather than research on humans.
The MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that a diverse, nutritious, plant-based diet may help reduce cancer risk by supporting overall health and the immune system.
4. Weight loss
One of the most popular claims associated with liquid chlorophyll is that it supports weight loss. However, research into this topic is currently very limited.
A 2014 study involving 38 female participants found that those who took a green plant membrane supplement, which included chlorophyll, once daily had greater weight loss than those who didn’t.
The researchers also suggested that the supplement reduced harmful cholesterol levels. The mechanism behind these findings, and whether it involves chlorophyll, is currently unknown.
A review of test tube and animal studies suggests that chlorophyll may decrease the number of fatty acids absorbed by intestinal cells and reduce the accumulation of lipids, or fats.
5. A natural deodorant
While chlorophyllin has been used since the 1940s to neutralize certain odors, studies are outdated and show mixed results.
The most recent study of people with trimethylaminuria, a condition that causes a fishy odor, found that chlorophyllin significantly decreased the amount of triethylamine.
As for claims about chlorophyllin reducing bad breath, there’s little evidence to support it.
Natural chlorophyll and chlorophyllin aren’t known to be toxic. But there are some possible side effects, including:
- digestive problems
- diarrhea
- green, yellow, or black stool, which can be mistaken for gastrointestinal bleeding
- itching or burning, when applied topically
Researchers haven’t studied the effects of taking chlorophyllin in people who are pregnant or nursing.
Check with your doctor before taking it. It’s also possible that chlorophyllin could negatively interact with medications you’re taking.
You can buy chlorophyllin supplements at most health food stores, drug stores, and natural food shops.
As a supplement, chlorophyll comes in a few different forms, including:
- tablets
- ointments
- sprays
- liquid
According to Oregon State University, the average daily dosage of chlorophyllin supplements is between 100 and 300 milligrams (mg), divided into three doses.
Chlorophyllin supplements aren’t regulated, and their doses vary. Consult with your doctor to decide whether you need them and what dosage is right for you.
Some people incorporate chlorophyll into their diets by adding it in liquid form to recipes. You can also add it in powder form to water, juice, or sauces.
Always talk with a doctor before you take chlorophyllin or any herbs or supplements. They can cause unintended side effects, especially if you’re already taking medication or have existing health concerns.
Natural chlorophyll
The blog Cook (almost) Anything shows how to make your own liquid chlorophyll supplement using parsley and water. Three ounces of parsley makes about 2 tablespoons of chlorophyll. Get the recipe here.
You can then use your homemade chlorophyll for a tasty smoothie recipe, like from the blog The Green Lean Bean.
Plants that are fresh and green are probably a good source of chlorophyll. This means vegetables and herbs such as:
According to Oregon State University, one cup of raw spinach contains about 24 mg of chlorophyll. Parsley has about 19 mg per cup. You can blend parsley with water to create a “liquid chlorophyll” drink.
Other greens average 4 to 15 mg per cup.
Your best source of chlorophyll comes from veggies and herbs that are green, inside and out.
Veggies like broccoli and asparagus may be green on the outside, but their whitish interior indicates a smaller amount of chlorophyll.
Wheatgrass may be a good alternative medicine approach for some conditions.
A review of wheatgrass juice therapy found that it may be helpful for people who need:
Wheatgrass oil may help treat scars. You can make it by roasting wheatgrass until it turns black and then pressing out the oil. As with chlorophyll, additional research is needed into its potential health benefits.
Wheatgrass may be available at your local health food store or farmers market.
You can also plant wheatgrass or buy wheatgrass powder.
Chlorophyll can be found in plants or taken as a supplement. It may have several health benefits, such as reducing cancer risk and helping with skin healing.
However, research is currently limited. Additional studies are needed to characterize these potential benefits.
You can include chlorophyll in your diet by increasing your intake of vegetables like spinach, parsley, and arugula. Chlorophyll supplements are also available at health food stores and drug stores.
Always speak with your doctor first before starting on a new supplement.
