Chlorella: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Chelator

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

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Immunomodulator

In vivo research has shown that Chlorella has immunomodulatory activity. In a study conducted on mice, administering a 2% hot water extract of Chlorella-based diet versus a control diet with no Chlorella extract for 2 weeks, followed by an immunostimulant, led to a decrease in IgE production (responsible for the pathogenesis of allergic disorders), with expression of IL12 mRNA and gamma interferon (which increase type 1 helper lymphocyte response) and IL6 (involved in type 2 helper T lymphocyte response). Another study in mice showed that administration of soluble polysaccharides isolated from the hot water extract of Chlorella induced IL1 secretion, one of the most important mediators of inflammation and host response to infections. In humans, administering Chlorella increased secretory salivary IgA secretion (important in mucosal immune function) compared to placebo. Moreover, ingesting 5g/day of Chlorella for 8 weeks in healthy adults resulted in a significant increase compared to placebo in serum interferon and IL1 levels, as well as natural killer cell activity, which are involved in anti-tumor and anti-viral responses.

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Hepatoprotective

A study on mice demonstrated that C. vulgaris extract has a hepatoprotective effect on acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tetrachloride treatment 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 acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice, likely due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 activation induced by carbon tetrachloride and activation of antioxidant enzymes and free radical scavengers. CGF or Chlorella Growth Factor, based on nucleic acids, is a potent cellular regenerator, capable according to some physicians of accelerating the healing rate of damaged liver.

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Antioxidant

Chlorella contains numerous dietary antioxidants such as lutein, a-carotene, b-carotene, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and atocopherol. These bioactive compounds have the ability to trap free radicals. Chlorella is also a source of active polysaccharides exhibiting antioxidant activities.

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Cardiovascular

Some clinical trials suggest chlorella supplementation reduces arterial stiffness in both young and older subjects. 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. Two randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted in younger, middle-aged, and older participants, where they received C. pyrenoidosa (6 g/day) or a placebo for four weeks. Brachial pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial stiffness, decreased in the Chlorella group but not in the placebo group. These changes correlate with NOx levels in plasma. It should be noted that no difference was observed in blood pressure or heart rate before and after supplementation in the placebo and chlorella groups.

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Hypolipidemic

Chlorella decreases total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), non-HDL cholesterol (non-high density lipoproteins), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels. Chlorella may inhibit the absorption of dietary lipids due to its omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and carotenoid content. Carotenoids compete with lipids for incorporation and transport into lipoproteins. Additionally, carotenoids may also inhibit triglyceride absorption.

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Anti-cancer

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 instance, it has been observed that lipophilic pigments, including carotenoids, athetoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein, extracted from Chlorella cells significantly inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells. Other mechanisms related to antitumor activity include effects on the toll-like receptor 2 signaling.

Remineralizing

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

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