Chlorophyll and Aflatoxin

Chlorophyllin and absorption of aflatoxin:

Jubert et al suggest that chlorophyll, the green pigment in most plants, may reduce the absorption of aflatoxin in humans. Aflatoxin is a potential carcinogen that has been linked to liver cancer. Researchers gave very small amounts of aflatoxin to four along with 150 mg of purified chlorophyll or chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll. The researchers then measured the rate of aflatoxin bioavailability. They found that when chlorophyll or chlorophyllin were not present, aflatoxin was rapidly absorbed. However, chlorophyll or chlorophyllin significantly limited its absorption. (3)

Assessment and Plan:

• Egner PA et al found that subjects who took 100 mg tablets of chlorophyllin 3 times a day with meals for 4 months showed a 55% reduction in aflatoxin-related DNA damage, compared to the placebo group (2).

• Aflatoxin given with 150 mg of chlorophyllin significantly limited its absorption (3).

• In these studies mentioned, chlorophyllin may have potential use in the future for the reduction in risk of hepatocellular cancer or reduce hepatotoxicity due to aflatoxin. Therefore, more research is needed to determine risk reduction in incidence of toxicity or hepatocellular cancer due to aflatoxin in the populations at risk.