Chlorophyll: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants. Food sources include green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, green tea, potatoes, and some algae and herbs.

In supplements, common chlorophyll sources include alfalfa, algae, and silkworm droppings. But many "chlorophyll" supplements actually contain chlorophyllin, a chemical made from chlorophyll. There isn't enough information available to know how chlorophyll might work.

Chlorophyll is used for acne, wound healing, hay fever, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Chlorophyll overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Chlorophyll is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe in the larger amounts used as medicine.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyll is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorophyll is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with Chlorophyll
Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Chlorophyll 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.
Methotrexate (Trexall, others) interacts with Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll might slow down how quickly methotrexate is removed from the body. This could increase how much methotrexate is in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Stop taking chlorophyll at least 2 days before treatment with methotrexate.

Dosing

Chlorophyll is found in green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, green tea, potatoes, and some algae and herbs. It is also available in supplements. But many "chlorophyll" supplements actually contain chlorophyllin, a chemical made from chlorophyll.

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chlorophyll 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.

View References

REFERENCES:

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

Dai R, Shoemaker R, Farrens D, et al. Characterization of silkworm chlorophyll metabolites as an active photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. J Nat Prod, 1992;55:1241-51.

Lee WY, Park JH, Kim BS, et al. Chlorophyll derivatives (CpD) extracted from silk worm excreta are specifically cytotoxic to tumor cells in vitro. Yonsei Med J 1990;31:225-33.

Christiansen SB, Byel SR, Stromsted H, et al. [Can chlorophyll reduce fecal odor in colostomy patients]? Ugeskr Laeger 1989;151:1753-4.

Nahata MC, Slencsak CA, Kamp J. Effect of chlorophyllin on urinary odor in incontinent geriatric patients. Drug Intell Clin Pharm 1983;17:732-4.

Yoshida A, Yokono O, Oda T. Therapeutic effect of chlorophyll-a in the treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterol Jpn 1980;15:49-61.

Mathews-Roth MM. Carotenoids in erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1993; 691:127-38.

Durk H, Haase K, Saal J, et al. Nephrotic syndrome after injections of bovine cartilage and marrow extract. [letter] Lancet 1989;1:614.

Miller, P. E. and Snyder, D. C. Phytochemicals and cancer risk: a review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutr.Clin.Pract. 2012;27(5):599-612.

Unger, C. [With chlorophyll against tumors?. Interview by Petra Eiden.]. MMW.Fortschr.Med. 9-9-1999;141(36):12.

Galvano, F., Piva, A., Ritieni, A., and Galvano, G. Dietary strategies to counteract the effects of mycotoxins: a review. J Food Prot 2001;64(1):120-131.

Egner, P. A., Wang, J. B., Zhu, Y. R., Zhang, B. C., Wu, Y., Zhang, Q. N., Qian, G. S., Kuang, S. Y., Gange, S. J., Jacobson, L. P., Helzlsouer, K. J., Bailey, G. S., Groopman, J. D., and Kensler, T. W. Chlorophyllin intervention reduces aflatoxin-DNA adducts in individuals at high risk for liver cancer. Proc Natl.Acad.Sci U.S.A 12-4-2001;98(25):14601-14606.

Sugiyama, C., Nakandakari, N., Hayatsu, H., and Arimoto-Kobayashi, S. Preventive effects of chlorophyllin fixed on chitosan towards DNA adduct formation of 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido [4,3-b]indole in CDF1 mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 2002;25(4):520-522.

Egner, P. A., Munoz, A., and Kensler, T. W. Chemoprevention with chlorophyllin in individuals exposed to dietary aflatoxin. Mutat.Res 2003;523-524:209-216.

Tsukagoshi, S. [Development of a novel photosensitizer, talaporfin sodium, for the photodynamic therapy (PDT)]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 2004;31(6):979-985.

Lozovskaia, M. E. [Effectiveness of using the biologically active additive to food from Laminaria in adolescents during complex treatment of the pulmonary tuberculosis]. Vopr.Pitan. 2005;74(1):40-43.

Nagayama, J., Takasuga, T., Tsuji, H., and Iwasaki, T. Promotive excretion of causative agents of Yusho by one year intake of FBRA in Japanese people. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi 2005;96(5):241-248.

Bezpalov, V. G., Barash, N. I., Ivanova, O. A., Semenov, I. I., Aleksandrov, V. A., and Semiglazov, V. F. [Investigation of the drug "Mamoclam" for the treatment of patients with fibroadenomatosis of the breast]. Vopr.Onkol. 2005;51(2):236-241.

Gao, F. and Hu, X. F. Analysis of the therapeutic effect of sodium copper chlorophyllin tablet in treating 60 cases of leukopenia. Chin J.Integr.Med. 2005;11(4):279-282.

Pandey, R. K., Goswami, L. N., Chen, Y., Gryshuk, A., Missert, J. R., Oseroff, A., and Dougherty, T. J. Nature: a rich source for developing multifunctional agents. Tumor-imaging and photodynamic therapy. Lasers Surg.Med. 2006;38(5):445-467.

Friedman, M. Potato glycoalkaloids and metabolites: roles in the plant and in the diet. J.Agric.Food Chem. 11-15-2006;54(23):8655-8681.

Divisi, D., Di, Tommaso S., Salvemini, S., Garramone, M., and Crisci, R. Diet and cancer. Acta Biomed. 2006;77(2):118-123.

Mochida, Y., Fukata, H., Matsuno, Y., and Mori, C. Reduction of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human body. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi 2007;98(4):106-113.

Nagayama, J., Hirakawa, H., Kajiwara, J., Iida, T., Todaka, T., Uenotsuchi, T., Shibata, S., Tsuji, H., and Iwasaki, T. Excretion of causative PCDFs congeners of Yusho by one year intake of FBRA in patients with Yusho. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi 2007;98(5):215-221.

Li, H., Li, F., Yang, F., Fang, Y., Xin, Z., Zhao, L., and Hu, Q. Size effect of se-enriched green tea particles on in vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities. J.Agric.Food Chem. 6-25-2008;56(12):4529-4533.

Moore, C. M., Pendse, D., and Emberton, M. Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer--a review of current status and future promise. Nat.Clin.Pract.Urol. 2009;6(1):18-30.

Wang, X., Zhang, W., Xu, Z., Luo, Y., Mitchell, D., and Moss, R. W. Sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy in advanced breast carcinoma: a report of 3 cases. Integr.Cancer Ther. 2009;8(3):283-287.

Tsai, Y. C., Wu, W. B., and Chen, B. H. Preparation of carotenoids and chlorophylls from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino and their antiproliferation effect on hepatoma cell. J.Med.Food 2010;13(6):1431-1442.

Kochneva, E. V., Filonenko, E. V., Vakulovskaya, E. G., Scherbakova, E. G., Seliverstov, O. V., Markichev, N. A., and Reshetnickov, A. V. Photosensitizer Radachlorin(R): Skin cancer PDT phase II clinical trials. Photodiagnosis.Photodyn.Ther. 2010;7(4):258-267.

Shaughnessy, D. T., Gangarosa, L. M., Schliebe, B., Umbach, D. M., Xu, Z., MacIntosh, B., Knize, M. G., Matthews, P. P., Swank, A. E., Sandler, R. S., DeMarini, D. M., and Taylor, J. A. Inhibition of fried meat-induced colorectal DNA damage and altered systemic genotoxicity in humans by crucifera, chlorophyllin, and yogurt. PLoS.One. 2011;6(4):e18707.

Wogan, G. N., Kensler, T. W., and Groopman, J. D. Present and future directions of translational research on aflatoxin and hepatocellular carcinoma. A review. Food Addit.Contam Part A Chem.Anal.Control Expo.Risk Assess. 2012;29(2):249-257.

Werner, L. B., Hellgren, L. I., Raff, M., Jensen, S. K., Petersen, R. A., Drachmann, T., and Tholstrup, T. Effect of dairy fat on plasma phytanic acid in healthy volunteers - a randomized controlled study. Lipids Health Dis. 2011;10:95.

Biliaieva, O. O., Korzhyk, N. P., and Myronov, O. M. [Rational prophylaxis of purulent-septic complications of the soft tissue in ambulatory-outpatient conditions]. Klin.Khir. 2011;(8):49-51.

Nava, H. R., Allamaneni, S. S., Dougherty, T. J., Cooper, M. T., Tan, W., Wilding, G., and Henderson, B. W. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using HPPH for the treatment of precancerous lesions associated with Barrett's esophagus. Lasers Surg.Med. 2011;43(7):705-712.

Gawel, E. Chemical composition of lucerne leaf extract (EFL) and its applications as a phytobiotic in human nutrition. Acta Sci.Pol.Technol.Aliment. 2012;11(3):303-310.

Simvolokov, S. I., Nikitin, A. V., and Iakovleva, L. G. [Clinico-immunologic effectiveness of chlorophyllypt in the treatment of acute destructive pneumonia]. Klin Med (Mosk) 1989;67(2):108-112.

Battersby, A. R. Biosynthesis of the pigments of life. J Nat Prod. 1988;51(4):629-642.

Baxter, J. H. Absorption of chlorophyll phytol in normal man and in patients with Refsum's disease. J.Lipid Res. 1968;9(5):636-641.

Blake, R. Determination of extent of deodorizing properties of chlorophyl. J Am Podiatry.Assoc 1968;58(3):109-112.

Belen'kii, G. B. and Krikun, B. L. [Treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster by chlorophyll preparations]. Sov.Med. 1971;34(1):151-152.

Sarkar, D., Sharma, A., and Talukder, G. Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin as modifiers of genotoxic effects. Mutat.Res. 1994;318(3):239-247.

Ebermann, R., Alth, G., Kreitner, M., and Kubin, A. Natural products derived from plants as potential drugs for the photodynamic destruction of tumor cells. J Photochem.Photobiol.B 1996;36(2):95-97.

Nenonen, M. T., Helve, T. A., Rauma, A. L., and Hanninen, O. O. Uncooked, lactobacilli-rich, vegan food and rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Rheumatol. 1998;37(3):274-281.

Brooks SL, Sanders J, Seymour JF, Mellor JD. A case of delayed methotrexate clearance following administration of a complementary medication containing chlorophyll. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014 Jun;20(3):225-8.

Rossi E, Borchard K, Cole JM. Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8.

Song BH, Lee DH, Kim BC, Ku SH, Park EJ, Kwon IH, Kim KH, Kim KJ. Photodynamic therapy using chlorophyll-a in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, single-blind, split-face study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Oct;71(4):764-71.

Zhao CY, Frew JW, Muhaidat J, et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation - a case series of four patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30(7):1239-42.

Fujiwara T, Nishida N, Nota J, et al. Efficacy of chlorophyll c2 for seasonal allergic rhinitis: single-center double-blind randomized control trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016;273(12):4289-94.

Li Y, Cui Y, Hu X, Liao X, Zhang Y. Chlorophyll Supplementation in Early Life Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2019;63(21):e1801219.

Targeted Therapies for Moderate to Severe UC

Side Effects From aHUS Treatment

Understanding the Stages of PBC

What Is Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Chlorophyll - Uses, Side Effects, and More