Chlorella

Related Terms

Arabinose, ARS-2, carotenoids, Chlorella kessleri, Chlorella pyrenoidosa spp., Chlorella seaweed, Chlorella vulgaris spp., chlorophyll, functional food, galactose, Immurella, living food diet, manganese, microalgae, ONC-107, Oocystaceae (family), Respondin?, rhamnose, vitamin B12, vitamin K-rich foods.

Background

Chlorella spp. (species) are single-celled green algae that reproduce quickly using only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a few minerals. In the 1940s, chlorella was believed to be a "superfood" that could supply calories, fat, vitamins, and the 10 then-known essential amino acids to feed a booming population. Scientists have explored using Chlorella spp. in bioregenerative life-support systems for spacecraft and other closed biological systems, such as Biosphere 2.
Current interest in chlorella includes using it for boosting the immune system and for detoxification. Because it is able to resist the damaging effects of toxic metals, chlorella may possibly be used to detoxify water, e.g., to remove arsenic from water.
Two clinical trials studying chlorella's effects on patients with fibromyalgia have shown positive results, although higher-quality studies are needed for all areas of chlorella research.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown cause. Limited research suggests that chlorella may have beneficial effects on the tenderness associated with fibromyalgia. Although the results are promising, more high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 B


Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown cause. Limited research suggests that chlorella may have beneficial effects on the tenderness associated with fibromyalgia. Although the results are promising, more high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 B


Limited research has investigated chlorella's use as an adjunct to cryosurgery. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research has investigated chlorella's use as an adjunct to cryosurgery. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that ingestion of chlorella may reduce blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that ingestion of chlorella may reduce blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research has investigated the effect of chlorella on skin cancer. Additional high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research has investigated the effect of chlorella on skin cancer. Additional high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that chlorella may improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease). More high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited research suggests that chlorella may improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease). More high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited research suggests that chlorella may lack an effect on stimulating the immune system when used together with a vaccine. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that chlorella may lack an effect on stimulating the immune system when used together with a vaccine. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For fibromyalgia, 10 grams of "Sun Chlorella" tablets and 100 milliliters of liquid "Wakasa Gold" have been taken by mouth daily for two months.
For high blood pressure, 10 grams of chlorella tablets and 100 milliliters of chlorella extract have been taken by mouth daily for two months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chlorella may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners) and drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, particularly warfarin (Coumadin?) and heparin. Other examples include aspirin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Chlorella may low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Chlorella may also interact with anticancer agents, anti-inflammatories, cholesterol-lowering agents, dioxin-detoxifying drugs, heavy metal antagonists or chelating agents, immunosuppressants, photosensitizing agents, and some vaccines.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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