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Chl2.5

Chlorophyll Research

Mostly mechanism / observationalModerate safety

5 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

Most Chlorophyll studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.

Most evidence is from mixed-quality randomised trials published 2001–2015 with a typical study size of 10 participants.

Based on 5 studies · 1 RCT · 200 total participants

Confidence

Low

By outcome

Safety profile
Too few graded studies1 study

Older research base

Newest study from 2015

200120082015

1RCTn=180 · medium study2001

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, chlorophyllin taken at each meal cut a urinary aflatoxin-DNA biomarker by 55% — the supplement's one strong human result, specific to carcinogen exposure.

Egner PA, Wang JB, Zhu YR, Kensler TW, et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (2001)

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 180 healthy adults at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma
100 mg chlorophyllin three times daily for 4 months reduced median urinary aflatoxin-N7-guanine adducts by 55% vs placebo (P=0.036)
Mechanism: chlorophyllin binds aflatoxin in the gut and reduces its bioavailability

View source

2Review2012

A review situating chlorophyllin among dietary factors that reduce aflatoxin genotoxicity by blocking carcinogen activation/absorption — useful mechanistic context, not new efficacy.

Gross-Steinmeyer K, Eaton DL · Toxicology (2012)

Reviews how dietary components, including chlorophyllin, modulate aflatoxin B1 biotransformation and genotoxicity
Supports the carcinogen-sequestration mechanism behind the chlorophyllin aflatoxin trial
Mechanistic/contextual review, not a clinical efficacy study

View source

3Pilotn=10 · very small study2015

A small, single-center, uncontrolled 3-week pilot reported that a topical chlorophyllin gel improved acne and pore appearance — promising but low-quality and not placebo-controlled.

Stephens TJ, McCook JP, Herndon JH Jr · J Drugs Dermatol (2015)

Single-center open pilot in 10 subjects with mild-moderate acne and large pores
Topical 0.1% sodium copper chlorophyllin gel twice daily for 3 weeks showed statistically significant improvement on all clinical parameters vs baseline
No placebo/control arm; very small sample and short duration

4Pilotn=10 · very small study2015

A small uncontrolled 8-week pilot reported improvement in fine lines and solar lentigines with a topical chlorophyllin gel — again pilot-grade and not controlled.

Sigler ML, Stephens TJ · J Drugs Dermatol (2015)

Single-center open pilot in 10 women with mild-moderate photodamage
Topical liposomal sodium copper chlorophyllin (0.066%) twice daily for 8 weeks showed statistically significant improvement vs baseline on all efficacy parameters
Well tolerated, but no control group and only 10 completers

5Case Study2015

A case-study report described reduced facial redness with topical chlorophyllin gel — the weakest tier of clinical evidence.

Vasily DB · J Drugs Dermatol (2015)

Case studies (not a controlled trial) of topical liposomal copper chlorophyllin gel in subjects with facial redness and erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
Reported anti-redness benefit, attributed to antioxidant/anti-inflammatory/antibacterial activity seen in vitro
Anecdotal-level evidence; no quantitative controlled outcome

View in Research Library

Chlorophyll Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

Chlorophyllin intervention reduces aflatoxin-DNA adducts in individuals at high risk for liver cancer.

Dietary modulation of the biotransformation and genotoxicity of aflatoxin B(1).

Pilot Study of Topical Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Acne and Large Pores.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of topical copper chlorophyllin in women with photodamaged facial skin.

Topical Treatment With Liposomal Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Redness and Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Case Studies.