Chlorophyll

Also known as: sodium copper chlorophyllin, chlorophyllin, CHL, green pigment, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Green plant pigment with early-stage antiviral and immune research. Most popular detox claims lack human evidence.

What it does

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and algae. A water-soluble form called sodium copper chlorophyllin (CHL) has been studied in humans for immune modulation and antiviral activity,...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose for most claims; 3000 mg/day tested for antiviral use in one Phase I trial
Found in

Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins, Sun Chlorella Tablets 200 Mg, NOW Detox Cleanse 90ct and 8 more

What the Science Says

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and algae. A water-soluble form called sodium copper chlorophyllin (CHL) has been studied in humans for immune modulation and antiviral activity, including against SARS-CoV-2, with one Phase I trial showing it was well tolerated at doses up to 3000 mg and achieved measurable blood levels. Separately, dietary chlorophyll from green leafy vegetables has been explored for potential colon cancer risk reduction, though that trial was a feasibility study and did not establish efficacy.

What It Doesn't Do

No proven detox effect in humans — the 'detox' marketing is not backed by the provided studies. No evidence it whitens skin, eliminates body odor, or cures cancer. The colon cancer trial was a feasibility study only — it did not prove chlorophyll prevents cancer. No evidence it boosts energy or aids weight loss.

Evidence-Based Benefits

High-dose sodium copper chlorophyllin up to 3000 mg was well tolerated in healthy adult males in a Phase I trial.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Up to 3000 mg/day

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41453293

Sodium copper chlorophyllin showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in lab and animal models, with immune-modulating effects in humans.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 3000 mg/day (Phase I trial dose)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41453293

Eating one cup of green leafy vegetables daily (high in chlorophyll) is feasible and increased vitamin K intake in adults at elevated colon cancer risk.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 1 cooked cup equivalent of green leafy vegetables daily

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 31581743

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown for natural dietary chlorophyll. The synthetic derivative sodium copper chlorophyllin achieved serum concentrations above 5 µM in healthy volunteers at high doses, suggesting measurable absorption, but routine bioavailability data for supplement doses is not available from the provided studies.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most provided research papers are about chlorophyll in plants (agriculture/phytoremediation), not human health — the human evidence base is very thin
The antiviral Phase I trial was conducted only in healthy males; results cannot be generalized to broader populations or confirmed COVID-19 treatment
High-dose chlorophyllin (3000 mg) is far above typical supplement doses — safety at common supplement doses is not established from these studies
Many popular chlorophyll supplement claims (detox, skin clearing, odor elimination) have no support in the provided research
The colon cancer dietary trial was explicitly a feasibility study — it was not designed or powered to prove efficacy

Supplement

Overhyped

Sunfood Supergreens & Protein

Supplement

Overhyped

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chlorophyll do?

Green plant pigment with early-stage antiviral and immune research. Most popular detox claims lack human evidence.

What is the effective dose of Chlorophyll?

No established dose for most claims; 3000 mg/day tested for antiviral use in one Phase I trial

Is Chlorophyll safe?

Most provided research papers are about chlorophyll in plants (agriculture/phytoremediation), not human health — the human evidence base is very thin

What doesn't Chlorophyll do?

No proven detox effect in humans — the 'detox' marketing is not backed by the provided studies.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25