Chlorella
Description
Chlorella is a type of single-cell green algae. It is a major component of phytoplankton, which are very small free-floating aquatic plants found in plankton. Chlorella is a popular food supplement, especially in Japan, and is sold as a nutritional supplement in the United States and Canada. There are several species of chlorella, but those most commonly found in supplements are Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa.
General use
Chlorella contains high levels of chlorophyll, protein, iron, vitamins C and B12, beta carotene, and 19 amino acids.
Several studies have indicated that chlorella may be effective in treating some types of cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), fibromyalgia syndrome, and in boosting the immune system and detoxifying the body. As is often the case with alternative therapies, there are several studies that dispute the effectiveness of chlorella in treating these medical conditions.
Chlorella's ability to fight cancer cells has been shown in several scientific studies, although the exact mechanisms of how it works are not known. Several scientists believe chlorella stimulates the activity of T-cells—important for antibody immunity—and macrophages, which are large cells that protect against infection by removing waste products, harmful microorganisms, and other toxins from the bloodstream. Increasing the production of T-cells and macrophages increases interferon levels in the body, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight invading substances such as viruses, bacteria, and chemicals. Interferon is an immune related protein produced by the body, which performs antiviral and antitumor activities.
Studies in laboratory animals suggest some substances in chlorella may reduce bone marrow suppression in patients taking the anticancer drug fluorouracil. In doing this, chlorella may increase the white blood cell and platelet counts, which reduces the risk of infection and bleeding, respectively.
Studies have also shown chlorella can significantly reduce cholesterol levels in laboratory animals. Studies are currently underway to see if it has the same effect on human cholesterol levels.
Chlorella may also help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension (high blood pressure). A study reported in the March 2003 issue of Original Internist showed that treatment with 10 grams of chlorella daily for three months significantly improved blood pressure in 25% of the patients.
In a 2000 study, patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (a disorder that causes muscle aches, fatigue, and sleep disorders) were treated with high doses of chlorella. After two months, the study found significant benefits from chlorella treatment.
Clinical studies of laboratory animals have also shown that chlorella can protect against gamma radiation and other toxic drugs and chemicals, including dioxin. In the intestines, it can deactivate heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury.
The benefits of chlorella have been disputed. According to an equivocal article about chlorella on the American Cancer Society website, there is no scientific evidence showing chlorella's effectiveness against cancer or any other disease. Limited laboratory and animal research suggests that the algae may have some anticancer properties. One investigation concluded that a protein extract from one type of chlorella prevented the spread of cancer cells in mice. Another study of mice suggested that the extract decreased the side effects of chemotherapy treatment without affecting the potency of anticancer medications.
