# Chlorophyllin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chlorophyllin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Sodium copper chlorophyllin, Chlorophyllin copper complex, CHL, Copper chlorophyllin, E141ii, Water-soluble chlorophyll, Chlorophyll copper derivative

## Overview

Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble, semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll in which the magnesium ion is replaced by copper or sodium, enhancing its stability and bioavailability. It primarily exerts its effects by binding to and neutralizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aflatoxins, potentially reducing their absorption and mutagenic activity.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties: Suggested by its chemical stability and solubility, but not supported by specific human trials.
• Detoxification support: Popularly believed but not directly evidenced in the reviewed research.
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Implications exist but lack clinical trial backing.
• May aid in body odor reduction: Inferred from common uses, though not clinically validated.
• Suggested tumor protective effects: A hypothesis from its parent compounds, not supported by studies in the dossier.

## Mechanism of Action

Chlorophyllin acts as an antimutagenic agent by forming tight molecular complexes with planar, lipophilic carcinogens such as aflatoxin B1 and benzo[a]pyrene, reducing their intestinal absorption and systemic bioavailability. It also scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) through its porphyrin ring structure, and may inhibit cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2)-mediated activation of procarcinogens into their DNA-damaging metabolites. Additionally, chlorophyllin has been shown to upregulate [phase II detox](/ingredients/condition/detox)ification enzymes, including glutathione S-transferase, in animal models.

## Clinical Summary

A landmark randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Qidong, China (n=180) found that chlorophyllin supplementation at 100 mg three times daily reduced urinary aflatoxin-DNA adducts by approximately 55% compared to placebo, suggesting meaningful chemopreventive activity. A smaller pilot study observed reductions in [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) biomarkers, though sample sizes were under 50 and lacked long-term follow-up. Animal and in vitro studies consistently demonstrate antimutagenic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, but rigorous large-scale human trials for endpoints beyond aflatoxin biomarkers are largely absent. Overall, the evidence is promising but preliminary, and most health claims beyond aflatoxin modulation remain unsubstantiated by robust clinical data.

## Nutritional Profile

Chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble sodium-copper salt derivative of chlorophyll, not a whole food ingredient, and therefore contributes negligible macronutrients (0g protein, 0g fat, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fiber) at typical supplemental doses of 100–300 mg/day. It is not a meaningful source of vitamins or minerals in supplemental form. Bioactive compounds: The core tetrapyrrole ring structure retains the porphyrin backbone of natural chlorophyll but replaces the central magnesium ion with copper (Cu²⁺), enhancing water solubility and stability. The phytol tail present in native chlorophyll is cleaved during saponification, eliminating fat-soluble behavior entirely. Copper content per 100 mg chlorophyllin tablet is estimated at approximately 1–3 mg elemental copper depending on formulation, which approaches or may exceed the adult RDA of 0.9 mg/day — a relevant consideration for cumulative intake. The molecule retains the chromophore structure responsible for green pigmentation and proposed bioactivity. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is limited; chlorophyllin is largely not absorbed intact in the gastrointestinal tract and exerts primary effects luminally (within the gut). Systemic absorption of intact molecules is minimal based on pharmacokinetic studies. Its water solubility compared to native chlorophyll improves GI tract distribution but does not translate to significant systemic bioavailability. No established Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) exists as it is classified as a food additive (FDA: 21 CFR 73.125) rather than a nutrient.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for chlorophyllin are available from the research results. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chlorophyllin is generally considered safe at typical doses of 100–300 mg per day, with the most commonly reported side effects being benign gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stools, green discoloration of feces and urine, and mild nausea. Because it may inhibit CYP1A2, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with drugs metabolized by this enzyme, including clozapine, theophylline, and certain antidepressants, potentially elevating their plasma levels. Chlorophyllin has demonstrated topical wound-healing applications with a well-established safety profile, but oral safety data during pregnancy and lactation remain insufficient to make a definitive recommendation. Individuals on anticoagulants should exercise caution, as chlorophyll derivatives may possess mild vitamin K-like activity, though this is not well-documented for the semi-synthetic chlorophyllin form.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier lacks specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses focused on chlorophyllin. No PubMed PMIDs for key human studies are provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not provide historical or traditional medicine context for chlorophyllin. Its use appears to be more modern and industrial, focusing on its chemical properties.

## Synergistic Combinations

Spirulina, Chlorella, Green tea extract, Milk thistle, Turmeric

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between chlorophyll and chlorophyllin?

Chlorophyll is the naturally occurring fat-soluble pigment found in plants, containing a central magnesium ion within its porphyrin ring. Chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative produced by replacing the magnesium ion with copper or sodium and removing the phytol tail, which significantly increases its stability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract compared to natural chlorophyll.

### What is the recommended dosage of chlorophyllin?

The most clinically studied dose is 100 mg taken three times daily (300 mg total per day), as used in the Qidong aflatoxin chemoprevention trial. Commercially available supplements typically range from 50–300 mg per day, and no established tolerable upper intake level has been formally set by regulatory agencies, though doses in clinical studies have been well-tolerated.

### Can chlorophyllin help with body odor or bad breath?

Chlorophyllin has been used clinically as an internal deodorant since the 1950s, and a small number of studies suggest it may reduce fecal and urinary odor, particularly in patients with trimethylaminuria or colostomy. However, the supporting evidence consists largely of older, low-quality case reports and small trials, and modern placebo-controlled studies confirming significant deodorizing effects in healthy adults are limited.

### Does chlorophyllin have cancer-preventive properties?

Chlorophyllin has demonstrated chemopreventive potential primarily through its ability to bind aflatoxin B1, a potent hepatocarcinogen, reducing DNA adduct formation by up to 55% in a controlled human trial conducted in high-risk populations in Qidong, China. It also inhibits CYP1A2-mediated activation of procarcinogens and may induce phase II detoxification enzymes. However, no clinical trial has demonstrated a direct reduction in cancer incidence as a primary endpoint.

### Is chlorophyllin safe to take every day?

Short- to medium-term daily use of chlorophyllin at doses up to 300 mg appears safe for most healthy adults, based on available clinical trial data and its long history of use as a food additive (E140/E141). The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature and include green-colored stools and mild digestive discomfort. Long-term safety data beyond several months are limited, and individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking CYP1A2-metabolized medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Does chlorophyllin interact with common medications?

Chlorophyllin has limited documented drug interactions in human studies, though it may theoretically affect absorption of certain medications due to its binding properties. If you take medications for blood clotting, iron absorption, or light-sensitive conditions, consult your healthcare provider before supplementing with chlorophyllin. Most people taking standard medications tolerate chlorophyllin without issues, but individual responses vary based on dosage and medication type.

### Who should avoid taking chlorophyllin supplements?

People with photosensitivity disorders, those taking photosensitizing medications, or individuals with hypersensitivity to chlorophyll derivatives should avoid chlorophyllin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider due to limited safety data in these populations. Additionally, those with certain blood clotting disorders or taking anticoagulant medications should seek medical guidance before use.

### What does current research actually show about chlorophyllin's health benefits?

While chlorophyllin is popular for body odor and bad breath reduction, most proposed benefits—including antioxidant, detoxification, and anti-inflammatory effects—lack robust clinical trial evidence in humans. Studies remain limited in scope and participant numbers, making it difficult to establish definitive efficacy for most claimed benefits. The strongest evidence exists for its use as a deodorant and breath freshener, though even these applications are supported primarily by observational use rather than large-scale randomized trials.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*