Chlorella is a green algae that grows in fresh water. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Each Chlorella microorganism is composed of a nucleus, starch grains, chloroplasts and mitochondria surrounded by a cell wall composed mainly of cellulose. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, "chloros" meaning green and "ella" meaning small. There are various species of chlorella. Although the algae grow naturally in fresh water, Chlorella destined for human consumption is generally cultivated in large, fresh mineral water pools under direct sunlight.

What does the research say about the benefits of Chlorella?
I could only find a few studies with chlorella involving humans. Based on very early research, it appears that chlorella may play a role in fibromyalgia, hypertension, or ulcerative colitis and has an effect on the immune system. We definitely need a few more studies to confirm initial findings.

NOW foods - Chlorella, 400 mg
Suitable for vegetarians

Chlorella is a green single-celled microalgae that contains very high concentrations of chlorophyll.  Chlorella also supplies high levels of Beta Carotene, Vitamin B-12, Iron, RNA, DNA and Protein.  The cell wall in this high quality Chlorella has been broken down mechanically to aid digestability.  Each serving typically contains: Chlorophyll 25 mg, RNA 35mg and DNA 3mg.

Chlorella Supplement Facts
Chlorella Powder (Chlorella vulgaris)

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Chlorella Research Update
Improved separation method for highly purified lutein from chlorella powder using jet mill and flash column chromatography on silica gel.
J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Oct 6;52(20):6283-6.
We investigated an improved method for the separation of high-purified lutein from a commercially available spray-dried Chlorella powder using fine grinding by jet mill and flash column chromatography on a silica gel. Saponification and extraction of lutein were enhanced 2-fold in jet mill-treated Chlorella powder (mean particle size, 20 microm) as compared to untreated Chlorella powder (mean particle size, 67 microm).

Effects of chlorella on activities of protein tyrosine phosphatases, matrix metalloproteinases, caspases, cytokine release, B and T cell proliferations, and phorbol ester receptor binding.
J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):146-52.
A Chlorella powder was screened using 52 in vitro assay systems for enzyme activity, receptor binding, cellular cytokine release, and B and T cell proliferation. The screening revealed a very potent inhibition of human protein tyrosine phosphatase activity of CD45 and PTP1C. Other inhibitory activities and their IC(50) values included inhibition of the human matrix metalloproteinases and the human peptidase caspases, as well as release of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Chlorella also inhibited B cell proliferation in mouse splenocytes and T cell proliferation in mouse thymocytes. These results reveal potential pharmacological activities that, if confirmed by in vivo studies, might be exploited for the prevention or treatment of several serious pathologies, including inflammatory disease and cancer.

A hot water extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa reduces body weight and serum lipids in ovariectomized rats.
Phytother Res. 2004 Feb;18(2):164-8.
The effects of a hot water extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, which contains chlorella growth factor, on the body weight, serum lipids, and the bone mass were evaluated using an ovariectomized rat as a model for postmenopausal bone loss. Rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated (Sham), Sham given the chlorella growth factor solution, ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX given the chlorella growth factor solution, respectively. Administration of the extract to OVX rats suppressed the body weight gain. After 7 weeks, the administration of the extract to the OVX group reduced increases in both serum total cholesterols and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterols. It also normalized the decrease of triglyceride level in the OVX group. The ovariectomy decreased the tibial bone mineral density (BMD) by 19%, and the administration of the extract to OVX rats did not inhibit this decrease. These results suggest that a dietary supplement of chlorella growth factor may be useful to control the body weight and improve lipid metabolism of menopausal women.

Antioxidant and anti-cataract effects of Chlorella on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2003 Oct;49(5):334-9.
The antioxidant activities of Chlorella in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Chlorella showed a strong antioxidant effect compared to various vegetables in a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-cataract effects in vivo, a 7.3% Chlorella powder was fed to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes for 11 wk. At the end of the experiment, Chlorella had decreased the blood glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c) and serum cholesterol levels significantly, however, it had not affected the serum glucose concentration. The serum lipid peroxide value (TBARS value) in the rats fed Chlorella was lower than that of the control rats. In the liver and kidney, Chlorella also reduced chemiluminescent intensities. In addition, it delayed the development of lens opacities. The lens lipid peroxide content of the rats fed Chlorella was lower than that of the control rats, however the differences were not significant. These results indicate that Chlorella has antioxidant activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic complications such as cataracts.

Accumulation of astaxanthin and lutein in Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta).
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2004 Jun;64(6):848-54. Epub 2003 Dec 20.
When grown photoautotrophically, Chlorella zofingiensis strain CCAP 211/14 accumulates a significant amount of valuable carotenoids, namely astaxanthin and lutein, of increasing demand for use as feed additives in fish and poultry farming, as colorants in food, and in health care products.

Attenuating effect of chlorella supplementation on oxidative stress and NFkappaB activation in peritoneal macrophages and liver of C57BL/6 mice fed on an atherogenic diet.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2003 Oct;67(10):2083-90.
This study was designed to investigate whether chlorella supplementation may ameliorate oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) activation in peritoneal macrophages and liver of C57BL/6 mice fed on an atherogenic diet. These results suggest that chlorella supplementation may attenuate oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen production and increasing antioxidative processes, thus suppressing inflammatory mediator activation in peritoneal macrophages and liver.

Antioxidant and anti-cataract effects of Chlorella on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2003 Oct;49(5):334-9.
The antioxidant activities of Chlorella in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Chlorella showed a strong antioxidant effect compared to various vegetables. To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-cataract effects in vivo, a 7.3% Chlorella powder was fed to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes for 11 wk. At the end of the experiment, Chlorella had decreased the blood glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c) and serum cholesterol levels significantly, however, it had not affected the serum glucose concentration. The serum lipid peroxide value (TBARS value) in the rats fed Chlorella was lower than that of the control rats. In the liver and kidney, Chlorella also reduced chemiluminescent intensities. In addition, it delayed the development of lens opacities. The lens lipid peroxide content of the rats fed Chlorella was lower than that of the control rats, however the differences were not significant. These results indicate that Chlorella has antioxidant activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic complications such as cataracts.

Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
CMAJ. 2003 Jul 22;169(2):111-7.
Enhancement of immune function has been claimed as a benefit of some natural health products, although few have been subjected to randomized clinical trials. We evaluated the effect of an oral dietary supplement derived from the edible microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa on immune response after influenza vaccination. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled community-based clinical trial in a convenience sample of 124 healthy adults at least 50 years of age randomly assigned to receive the study product (200 or 400 mg of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement) or placebo. Participants took the study product or placebo once daily for 28 days. On day 21, we administered a single dose of a licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine. We obtained serum specimens to measure hemagglutination inhibition titres before and 7 and 21 days after vaccination. The primary immunological outcomes were the proportion of participants with a 4-fold or greater increase in antibodies and geometric mean antibody titres after vaccination; the proportion of participants reporting adverse events during therapy was the safety outcome. A total of 117 (94%) participants completed all aspects of the study. There were no differences in the proportions of recipients of 200 or 400 mg of the Chlorella -derived dietary supplement or placebo who achieved at least a 4-fold increase in antibodies (proportions for the 3 virus strains ranged from 17% to 28% for the 200-mg group, from 11% to 22% for the 400-mg group and from 19% to 21% for the placebo group. Reports of adverse events were similar for recipients of the supplement and placebo, except with regard to fatigue, which was reported more frequently by recipients of 200 mg of the supplement (18/41 or 44%) than by those who received 400 mg of the supplement or placebo. Recipients of 400 mg of the chlorella supplement who were 55 years of age or younger had significantly higher geometric mean antibody titres against influenza A/New Caledonia 21 days after vaccination and against B/Yamanashi 7 days after vaccination; the trends were nonsignificant for titres against A/Panama. We also observed similar increases for the proportions of subjects with a 2-fold or greater or a 4-fold or greater increase in antibodies. INTERPRETATION: The Chlorella -derived dietary supplement did not have any effect in increasing the antibody response to influenza vaccine in the overall study population, although there was an increase in antibody response among participants aged 50-55 years. Adverse events were similar among those receiving the supplement and the placebo.

A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis.
Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 May-Jun;7(3):79-91.
Merchant RE, Andre CA.
It has been suggested that the consumption of natural "whole foods" rich in macronutrients has many healthful benefits for those who otherwise ingest a normal, nonvegetarian diet. One example is dietary supplements derived from Chlorella pyrenoidosa, a unicellular fresh water green alga rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. OBJECTIVE: To find evidence of the potential of chlorella dietary supplements to relieve signs and symptoms, improve quality of life, and normalize body functions in people with chronic illnesses, specifically fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Fifty-five subjects with fibromyalgia, 33 with hypertension, and 9 with ulcerative colitis. Subjects consumed 10 g of pure chlorella in tablet form and 100 mL of a liquid containing an extract of chlorella each day for 2 or 3 months. For fibromyalgia patients, assessments of pain and overall quality of life. For hypertensive patients, measurements of sitting diastolic blood pressure and serum lipid levels. For patients with ulcerative colitis, determination of state of disease using the Disease Activity Index. Daily dietary supplementation with chlorella may reduce high blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol levels, accelerate wound healing, and enhance immune functions. The potential of chlorella to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and normalize body functions in patients with fibromyalgia, hypertension, or ulcerative colitis suggests that larger, more comprehensive clinical trials of chlorella are warranted.

Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study.
Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):167-73.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common, chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown aetiology. While available therapy is often disappointing, most patients can be helped with a combination of medication, exercise and maintenance of a regular sleep schedule. The objective of the present study was to determine if adding nutritional supplements derived from the unicellular green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, produced any improvements in the clinical and functional status in patients with moderately severe symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. Eligible patients had 2+ palpable tenderness at 11 or more of 18 defined tender points and had a tender point index (TPI) of at least 22. Each day for 2 months, participants consumed two commercially available Chlorella-based products, 10 g of 'Sun Chlorella' tablets and 100 mL of liquid 'Wakasa Gold'. Any amelioration of symptoms was validated and quantified using semi-objective and subjective outcome measures systematically administered at clinic visits on days 0, 30 and 60 of the diet therapy. Eighteen of the 20 patients enrolled completed the 2 month trial. The average TPI for the group which at onset was 32, decreased to a mean of 25 after 2 months. This decrease was statistically significant (p = 0.01), representing a 22% decrease in pain intensity. Blood samples taken on each occasion indicated no significant alterations in serum chemistries, formed elements, and circulating lymphocyte subsets. Compilations of the results of patient interviews and self-assessment questionnaires revealed that seven patients felt that the dietary supplement had improved their fibromyalgia symptoms, while six thought they had experienced no change, and five believed the symptoms had worsened over the time of the trial. The results of this pilot study suggest that dietary Chlorella supplementation may help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia in some patients and that a larger, more comprehensive double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in these patients is warranted. Research chlorella.

There are various chlorella products on the market, including Sun Chlorella. I am not familiar with the different brands of chlorella and thus do not know if Sun Chlorella is better than other brands.

Two New Age foods which contain high concentrations of whole food nutrients are the single-celled microalgae Chlorella and Spirulina. Chlorella and spirulina are accepted as functional foods, which are defined as products derived from natural sources, whose consumption is likely to benefit human health.

Chlorella questions
Q. I read somewhere that chlorella removes toxins from the body. Is that true? Also, I read that one needs to check their blood iron level before taking chlorella.
   A. When people talk in such vague terms as 'toxins,' it makes me think that either they do not understand the complexity of the human body, or they are just scammers, trying to hype their product. I have not seen any studies where chlorella was found to remove 'toxins' from the body. How are these 'toxins' defined, anyway?
    It makes no sense to me that one has to check their iron level before taking chlorella. It's like saying one has to check their iron level before eating meat products. There are several milligrams of iron in a few ounces of meat. Three capsules of chlorella will have less than one mg of iron. Unless you plan to take half a bottle of chlorella capsules a day for months and years, forget about the silly advice of checking iron levels.

Q. Dear Dr. Sahelian: Since you are a respected authority whose input and knowledge I respect, I wanted to ask: In your opinion, does chlorella have any value as a memory enhancement supplement? The flyer from Sun Chlorella claims that a study where seniors took10 a day of their Sun Chlorella pills, in addition to the liquid extract, proved that it has memory enhancing properties. Have you had any experience with Sun Chlorella? I think its probably a pretty good detoxifier. But I've never heard you mention it. I love the products you formulate and have just finished reading your Mind Boosters book. Thank you for your time.
   A. We have searched Medline and could not find studies with Sun Chlorella and memory. Even if there were one study that showed some benefit, it would pale in comparison to the many studies done with other brain nutrients that are discussed in the Mind Boosters book. Chlorella, in moderation, appears to be a healthy addition to one's diet and supplement intake, however it is one of countless other beneficial supplements that are available.

Q. I started taking a chlorella supplement several weeks ago. I did not take them everyday. Last Monday I took Chlorella about an hour after I ate lunch. Within 3 hours I had an upset stomach and threw up several time that night. The next day I was alright. I did not take chlorella for the rest of the week due to I thought that it may have something to do with my sickness. Yesterday, a week later I decided to try chlorella again. This time I took it right after I ate. within in three hours I was violently sick. I was throwing up every 2 to three seconds. It was so bad I got dehydrated within an hour and was so disoriented that an ambulance had to pick me up to take me to the Hospital, By this time the Paramedics said I was throwing up a lot of bile. The doctors at the emergency room told me that it was more likely a reaction to the chlorella. Has anyone else had these kind of side affects? I do not even take the complete recommended dosage. What could have caused such a reaction. I have had stomach viruses before. This was the worst thing that I have ever had. I thought I was dying. How can something that is suppose to be good for you cause such a reaction?
   A. This is the first we have heard of a chlorella supplement causing this reaction. What brand was it, and was it mixed with other herbs or ingredients? Perhaps this particular batch was contaminated? It's best to contact the manufacturer who made this product. What brand was it? Were there other herbs in it?
      Q. The brand is Source Naturals Yaeyama Chlorella. It had just vitamins in it and mixed carotenoids.
 

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