Common name:	Chlorella
Scientific name:	Chlorella pyrenoidosa or Chlorella vulgaris
Synonyms:	Sun chlorella, green algae
Parts used:	entire organism dried and powdered or a liquid extract

 Overview:

Chlorella is a single celled green alga that lives in fresh water. It is about 2-8 microns in diameter or about the same size as a red blood cell. This single celled life form emerged about 2.5 billion years ago and was the first plant with a well-defined nucleus. Although chlorella has been around since the pre-Cambrian era, it was not discovered or studied till the late 19th century. Under favorable conditions such as strong sunlight, clean air and water, chlorella multiplies rapidly. In order for the nutrients in chlorella to be more readily adsorbed the cell wall is often “cracked” open by mechanical or chemical means. It is then dried and powdered. Chlorella can then be taken as either a tablet or as a powder mixed with juice or water. Chlorella’s value as a source of complete nutrition did not emerge until the 1950’s. It was studied extensively by the Carnegie Institute as a solution to world hunger. The Japanese began studying the health benefits of this single celled organism in the 1960’s. They found this single celled plant to be a superior source of complete nutrition that had the ability to stimulate the immune system; speed wound healing and showed promise as a way to remove harmful toxins from the body.

Active Ingredients:

Chlorella is a source of complete nutrition including all of the essential amino acids. The nutritional components are:

Protein	58.4	%
Lipids	9.3	%
Carbohydrates	23.2	%
Fiber	0.3	%
Calcium	221	mg
Iodine	0.4	mg
Iron	130	mg
Magnesium	315	mg
Phosphorous	895	mg
Zinc	71	mg
Vitamin C	10.4	mg
Niacin	23.8	mg
Pantothenic acid	0.2	mg
B-1	1.1	mg
B-2	4.3	mg
B-6	1.4	mg
B-12	0.13	mg
Folate	94	mcg
Vitamin A	51,300	mcg
Vitamin E	>5.5	mg

Chemically active components:

• Chlorophyll
• Carotenoids
• Echinenone
• CGH (Chlorella Growth Hormone)

Traditional uses:

As chlorella was not discovered until the late 19th century and studies on its benefits did not begin until the late 60’s, chlorella was not a part of traditional medicine.

Clinical uses:

On the other hand, since the 1960’s, the Japanese have studied chlorella extensively and have found it to be of great benefit not only to treat nutritional deficiencies but other health problems as well.

Chlorella has proven effective as an:

• Antiviral
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Immunostimulant

It has also proven to be of great benefit in:

• Cleansing and detoxification of the liver and blood
• The removal of heavy metals such as mercury and toxic chemicals from the body
• The treatment of fibromyalgia
• The healing of wounds and ulcers
• Cellular regeneration
• Counteracting the effects of radiation and chemotherapy in cancer patients

Studies in Japan have shown that chlorella helps to normalized body functions in people with chronic illnesses. In a double blind study, it has shown particular promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These Japanese studies have also shown that the stimulating effect of this green algae decreases the time it takes wounds to heal. German studies have demonstrated that chlorella has a regenerative effect on the liver. These studies indicate that supplementing with chlorella may help in reversing the liver damage done by alcohol abuse. Because of its high chlorophyll content, chlorella has a strong detoxifying effect on the body. Numerous research projects here and around the world have indicate tha chlorella shows promise as an aid in removing heavy metals such as mercury from the body. It has been used in detoxifying people who suffer from P.C.B (polychlorobiphenyl) and chlordecone (also know as kepone, a very harmful insecticide) exposure. Studies indicate that chlorella decreases the half-life of these toxins from 40 days to 19 days. Chlorella binds and holds onto lead and even uranium and is effective in treating radiation sickness.

Recommended Dosage:

Adult

• Based on nutritional requirements and clinical trials the recommended dosage of chlorella is 5-20 grams daily.
• For vegetarians concerned about Vitamin B-12 requirements, 3gm of chlorella daily provides 70% of the RDA requirement for this important vitamin. 

Chlorella supplements should come from commercial sources under controlled environmental conditions. Chlorella collected from the wild may be contaminated with the chemicals and pollutants found in the air and water. Chlorella and other microalgae products should be tested and certified to assure the absence of cyanotoxins from other blue-green algae that may be inadvertently harvested. Algal toxins are capable of causing widespread poisoning of animals and humans.

Contra-indications:

• Some chlorella containing supplements may contain high amounts of Vitamin K and those taking warfarin should consult their health care provider before starting a chlorella regime.
• Allergic reactions and photosensitivity have been reported
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use chlorella supplements

Drug interactions:

The high Vitamin K content of some chlorella supplements my affect the INR of those on warfarin.

Web References:

1. Flora Health
2. PDR Health
3. Tuberose.com

Printed reference material:

1. Hasegawa T, Okuda M, Makino M, Hiromatsu K, Nomoto K, Yoshikai Y. 1995. Hot water extracts of Chlorella vulgaris reduce opportunistic infection with Listeria monocytogenes in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5 murine leukemia viruses. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1995 Jun;17(6):505-12.
2. Kashiwa, Y. and Y. Tanaka 1970. Changes induced by Chlorella on the body weight and incidence of colds among naval trainees, Midoria, 1, 1970.
3. Konishi F, Mitsuyama M, Okuda M, et al. Protective effect of an acidic glycoprotein obtained from culture of Chlorella vulgaris against myelosuppression by 5-fluorouracil. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 1996; 42:268-274.
4. Konishi F. Tanaka K, Kumamoto S, et al. Enhanced resistance against Escherichia coli infection by subcutaneous administration of the hot-water extract of Chlorella vulgaris in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 1990; 32:1-7.
5. Merchant RE, Andre CA. 2001. 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.
6. Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM. 2000. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res. 2000 May; 14(3): 167-73
7. Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res. 2000; 14:167-173.
8. Morita K, Matsueda T, Iida T, Hasegawa T. Chlorella accelerates dioxin excretion in rats. J Nutr. 1999; 129:1731-1736.
9. Noda K, Ohno N, Tanaka K, et al. A water-soluble antitumor glycoprotein from Chlorella vulgaris. Planta Med. 1996; 62:423-426.
10. Sano T, Kumanoto Y, Kamiya N, et al. Effect of lipophilic extract of Chlorella vulgaris on alimentary hyperlipidemia in cholesterol-fed rats. Artery. 1988; 15:217-224.
11. Sano T, Tanaka Y. Effect of dried, powdered Chlorella vulgaris on experimental atherosclerosis and alimentary hypercholesterolemia in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Artery. 1987; 76-84.
12. Tanaka K, Koga T, Konishi F, et al. Augmentation of host defense by unicellular green alga, Chlorella vulgaris, to Escherichia coli infection. Infect Immun. 1986; 53:267-271.

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