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.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using chlorophyll for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
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 & 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.
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Herbs that might increase sensitivity to sunlight: Chlorophyll might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using it with other products that also make the skin more sensitive to the sun might increase the risk for sunburn and other side effects. Examples of supplements with this effect include bishop's weed, khella, and St. John's wort.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll c, Chlorophyll d, Chlorophylle, Chlorophylle a, Chlorophylle b, Chlorophylle c, Chlorophylle d, Clorofila.
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