Chlorella: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Chelator

This property is related to the composition of the Chlorella cell wall. It is formed of a triple layer of cellulose, chitin and sporopollenin, which have adsorptive properties toward heavy metals such as mercury and dioxins. Dioxins are a group of chemically related compounds that are persistent organic pollutants in the environment. Chlorella supplementation in mice significantly inhibited the gastrointestinal absorption of dioxins.nnIt has also been shown that the dietary fibers contained in Chlorella absorb a portion of methylmercury in vitro. Chlorella contributes to the fecal excretion of methylmercury by accelerating biliary secretion, binding methylmercury to dietary fibers in the intestinal tract, and increasing fecal bulk.nnFurthermore, Chlorella contains chlorophyll which can prevent the absorption of dietary carcinogens in the intestine such as HCAs (heterocyclic amines) or PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). It has been established that heterocyclic amines are carcinogenic chemicals formed when amino acids, sugars and creatine in muscle meats (beef, pork, fish and poultry) react with each other during high-temperature cooking.

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Immuno-modulator

In vivo research has shown that Chlorella has immunomodulatory activity. Indeed, a study in mice showed that administration of a diet containing 2% Chlorella hot-water extract compared with a control diet without Chlorella extract, for 2 weeks, followed by administration of an immunostimulant, resulted in a decrease in IgE production (which are responsible for the pathogenesis of allergic disorders), with expression of IL-12 mRNA and interferon-gamma (which increase T helper type 1 lymphocyte responses) and of IL-6 (involved in T helper type 2 lymphocyte responses). Another study in mice showed that administration of soluble polysaccharides isolated from the Chlorella hot-water extract induced secretion of IL-1, which is one of the most important mediators of inflammation and host responses to infections. In humans, administration of Chlorella increased salivary secretory IgA (which plays an important role in mucosal immune function) compared with placebo. Furthermore, ingestion of 5 g/day of Chlorella for 8 weeks in healthy adults resulted in a significant increase, compared with placebo, in serum levels of interferon and IL-1, as well as natural killer cell activity, which are involved in anti-tumor and antiviral responses.

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Hepatoprotective

A study in mice demonstrated that C. vulgaris extract has a hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride. Treatment with carbon tetrachloride increased serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels, lipid peroxidation and cytochrome P450 expression, and decreased reduced glutathione levels and cellular antioxidant defense enzymes; all these changes were significantly lower in the Chlorella groups (100 and 200 mg/kg). These results indicate that Chlorella extract has a protective effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice, probably due to inhibition of carbon tetrachloride-induced cytochrome P450 activation and activation of antioxidant enzymes and free radical scavengers. The CGF or Chlorella Growth Factor, based on nucleic acids, is a powerful cellular regenerator, capable according to some physicians of accelerating the healing rate of a damaged liver.

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Antioxidant

Chlorella contains many dietary antioxidants such as lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. These bioactive compounds have the ability to scavenge free radicals. Chlorella is also a source of active polysaccharides that exhibit antioxidant activities.

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Cardiovascular

Some clinical trials suggest that chlorella supplementation reduces arterial stiffness in both young and older adults. Studies have reported that antioxidants, potassium and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids reduce arterial stiffness. Nitric oxide (NO), derived from arginine in the vascular endothelium, is an important modulator of arterial stiffness. Chlorella-based supplements contain antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, arginine and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids. nnTwo randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted in young, middle-aged and older subjects who received C. pyrenoidosa (6 g/day) or a placebo for four weeks.nnBrachial pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial stiffness, decreased in the Chlorella group but not in the placebo group. These changes correlate with plasma NOx level. Notably, no differences were observed in blood pressure or heart rate before and after supplementation in the placebo and Chlorella groups. nn

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Hypolipidemic

Chlorella decreases concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), non-HDL cholesterol (non-high-density lipoproteins), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). nnChlorella may inhibit absorption of dietary lipids due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and carotenoids. Carotenoids compete with lipids for incorporation and transport in lipoproteins. In addition, carotenoids may also inhibit triglyceride absorption.nn

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Anticancer

Laboratory research has shown that Chlorella exhibits antiproliferative activity in human hepatoma cells. The antitumor activity of Chlorella may be the synergistic effect of multiple bioactive compounds; for example, lipophilic pigments, including carotenoids, atheroxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein, extracted from Chlorella cells have been observed to significantly inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells. Other mechanisms related to antitumor activity include effects on toll-like receptor 2 signaling.

Remineralizing

Chlorella contains iron, potassium, magnesium, and other trace elements such as copper, zinc and selenium.

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