Chlorophyllin
OTHER NAME(S): Chloresium, Chlorophylline de Cuivre Sodique, Chlorophylline de Sodium et Cuivre, Sel Cuprique de la Chlorophylle, Sodium Copper Chlorophyll, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Yebaike (YBK), Chlorophyllin, Clorofilina, Chlorophylline
Overview
Chlorophyllin is a chemical that is made from chlorophyll. It is sometimes used as medicine. Due to its green color, it is also used as a coloring for foods.
Chlorophyllin seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It might also stop the body from absorbing certain chemicals that can increase a person's risk for cancer.
Some people use chlorophyllin for body odor, urinary odor, reducing the smell of bowel movements, bad breath, cancer, acne, and skinwrinkles from sun damage, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
Possibly Ineffective for
- Urinary odor. Research shows that taking chlorophyllin by mouth doesn't reduce urinary odor in older adults who have a urinary catheter.
There is interest in using chlorophyllin for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Chlorophyllin is commonly used in small amounts as a coloring agent in foods. When used in larger doses as medicine, chlorophyllin is possibly safe when taken for up to 3 months. It might make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyllin is safe to use for longer than 3 months. Chlorophyllin contains copper, which can cause serious adverse effects when taken in high doses for an extended period of time.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyllin is safe. It might make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Chlorophyllin is commonly used in small amounts as a coloring agent in foods. When used in larger doses as medicine, chlorophyllin is possibly safe when taken for up to 3 months. It might make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyllin is safe to use for longer than 3 months. Chlorophyllin contains copper, which can cause serious adverse effects when taken in high doses for an extended period of time.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyllin is safe. It might make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyllin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyllin is safe or what the side effects might be. However, chlorophyllin supplements contain copper. Consuming high doses of copper for an extended period of time can cause serious adverse effects. Use with caution.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with ChlorophyllinSome medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Chlorophyllin might also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using these products together might increase the risk of sunburn, blistering, or rashes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chlorophyllin might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
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- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309072794/html/.
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- Yang Y, Jiang X, Pandol SJ, Han YP, Zheng X. Green Plant Pigment, Chlorophyllin, Ameliorates Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLDs) Through Modulating Gut Microbiome in Mice. Front Physiol 2021;12:739174.
- Zhang T, Zhang R, Zhao G, et al. Plant green pigment of chlorophyllin attenuates inflammatory bowel diseases by suppressing autophagy activation in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022;323(2):G102-G113.