Compound

    Chlorophyll

    Chlorophyllin (sodium copper chlorophyllin)

    TL;DR

    Almost every "chlorophyll" supplement is actually chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic copper derivative. It has decent evidence for binding aflatoxin and modest data for body odour and wound care, and no credible evidence for blood-building or detox.

    Ideal For

    • People managing body, ostomy or wound odour
    • Those wanting a low-risk gut-binding agent with realistic expectations

    Avoid If

    • You have Wilson's disease or copper overload
    • You are on a photosensitising medication
    • You expect it to raise haemoglobin or "detox" your blood
    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview

    Chlorophyll itself is fat-soluble and poorly absorbed, so supplements almost always contain sodium copper chlorophyllin, a water-soluble semi-synthetic salt in which magnesium is replaced by copper. The best-supported use is unglamorous: in a randomised trial in Qidong, China, 100 mg chlorophyllin three times daily reduced urinary aflatoxin-DNA adduct levels by about 55%, consistent with the molecule's ability to form tight complexes with planar carcinogens in the gut. Older clinical work supports topical and oral chlorophyllin for controlling wound and ostomy odour and for wound healing in pressure ulcers, and small dermatology studies suggest topical chlorophyllin gel modestly improves acne and photoaging. What it does not do is "oxygenate" or "build" blood: structural similarity to haem does not confer function, and chlorophyllin does not supply usable iron. The viral internet claims for detox, weight loss and body-wide alkalinisation have no supporting trials. Harmless quirks include green stools and a green tongue; higher intakes can cause photosensitivity.

    How It Works

    • Forms molecular complexes with planar aromatic carcinogens such as aflatoxin B1 in the gut, blocking absorption
    • Deodorising action on sulfur- and amine-based odour compounds
    • Antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory activity in cell models
    • Topical application supports granulation tissue in chronic wounds

    Benefits & Outcomes

    No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.

    Health Concerns Addressed

    No linked health concerns yet.

    Supporting Research
    10 studies

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

    Score: 9/10
    2001
    rct
    n=180

    Egner PA, Wang JB, Zhu YR +2 more

    One hundred and eighty healthy adults from Qidong were randomly assigned to ingest 100 mg of chlorophyllin or a placebo three times a day for 4 months.

    View source

    Photodynamic therapy using chlorophyll-a in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized, single-blind, split-face study

    Score: 5/10
    2014
    rct
    n=24

    Song BH, Lee DH, Kim BC +5 more

    Chlorophyll-a assisted photodynamic therapy reduced inflammatory acne lesions more than light therapy alone.

    View source

    Inhibition of fried meat-induced colorectal DNA damage and altered systemic genotoxicity in humans by crucifera, chlorophyllin, and yogurt

    Score: 7/10
    2011
    crossover
    n=16

    Shaughnessy DT, Gangarosa LM, Schliebe B +2 more

    We enrolled 16 healthy volunteers in a 4-week controlled feeding study... in combination with 3 putative mutagen inhibitors: cruciferous vegetables, yogurt, and chlorophyllin tablets.

    View source

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

    Score: 3/10
    2015
    observational
    n=10

    Stephens TJ, McCook JP, Herndon JH

    Topical copper chlorophyllin complex reduced acne lesion counts and improved pore appearance over three weeks.

    View source

    Chemoprevention with chlorophyllin in individuals exposed to dietary aflatoxin

    Score: 6/10
    2003
    systematic_review

    Egner PA, Muñoz A, Kensler TW

    In the clinical trial, administration of CHL three times a day led to a 50% reduction in the median level of urinary excretion of aflatoxin-N(7)-guanine compared to placebo.

    View source

    Ability of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to repair photoaged skin by stimulation of biomarkers in human extracellular matrix

    Score: 3/10
    2016
    observational
    n=12

    McCook JP, Stephens TJ, Jiang LI +2 more

    Topical sodium copper chlorophyllin increased extracellular matrix biomarkers in photoaged skin.

    View source

    Effect of chlorophyllin on urinary odor in incontinent geriatric patients

    Score: 6/10
    1983
    crossover
    n=20

    Nahata MC, Slencsak CA, Kamp J

    Despite the decrease in urinary odor in many patients receiving chlorophyllin, its effect was not significantly greater than that of placebo.

    View source

    First-in-human clinical trial of high-dose sodium copper chlorophyllin: Pharmacology and efficacy as a dual immunomodulatory/antiviral agent

    Score: 6/10
    2026
    rct

    Patwardhan RS, Rizvi ZA, Gota V +2 more

    A first-in-human clinical trial of high-dose CHL was conducted in healthy male subjects, and pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety were evaluated.

    View source

    The Metabolism and Potential Bioactivity of Chlorophyll and Metallo-chlorophyll Derivatives in the Gastrointestinal Tract

    Score: 6/10
    2021
    systematic_review

    Zhong S, Bird A, Kopec RE

    This review also detail chlorophyll and metallo-chlorophyll toxin binding properties which largely occur during digestion, focusing on toxins including dioxins, heterocyclic aromatic amines, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and aflatoxin.

    View source

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

    Score: 4/10
    2015
    observational

    Sigler ML, Stephens TJ

    This single-center pilot study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a liposomal dispersion of topically applied sodium copper chlorophyllin complex in women with mild-moderate fine lines and wrinkles.

    View source

    Safety Information

    Potential Side Effects

    Green discoloration of stool, urine and tongue; occasional diarrhoea, cramping and photosensitivity.

    Contraindications

    Wilson's disease or other copper-handling disorders (chlorophyllin contains copper).

    Drug Interactions

    • Photosensitising drugs (additive photosensitivity)
    • Possible reduced absorption of co-ingested drugs due to binding

    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

    Pregnancy: insufficient_data

    Breastfeeding: insufficient_data

    Dosage Guidelines

    Dosage Used in Studies

    100-300 mg

    Best Time to Take

    With meals when used for gut binding

    Best Form

    Sodium copper chlorophyllin, 100 mg per dose

    Forms Compared

    Most popular; check mg of chlorophyllin per serving, which is often low

    The dose form used in clinical studies

    Used in acne and wound-healing studies

    Food & Timing

    With meals.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.