Research
Chlorella
27 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Effect of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Meta-analysis of 19 RCTs with 797 subjects assessing the effect of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors. Chlorella significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels. No significant changes were observed in triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and BMI.
The effects of Chlorella supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile and anthropometric measures on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 84 type 2 diabetic patients receiving 1500 mg/day C. vulgaris or placebo for 8 weeks. The study found no significant changes in glycemic control, lipid profile, or anthropometric measures after the intervention.
Chlorella-Induced Increase in Cardiac Function Further Enhances Aerobic Capacity Through High-Intensity Intermittent Training in Healthy Young Men and Rats.
This study investigated the effects of chlorella intake combined with high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) on exercise performance and cardiac function in healthy young men. The RCT showed that chlorella intake significantly increased aerobic capacity and cardiac function compared to placebo, without causing cardiac maladaptation.
Chlorella Supplementation Reduces Blood Lactate Concentration and Increases OPulse during Submaximal and Maximal Cycling in Young Healthy Adults.
This double-blinded, randomized cross-over study investigated the effects of 6 g/day chlorella supplementation for 2 days on exercise performance in 20 young healthy adults. Chlorella supplementation significantly reduced blood lactate levels and increased Opulse during submaximal and maximal exercise, but did not improve V˙O2max.
The Efficacy of Chlorella Supplementation on Multiple Indices of Cycling Performance.
This study investigated the effects of chlorella supplementation on cycling performance in 14 male trained cyclists. Participants ingested 6g/day of chlorella or placebo for 21 days in a double-blinded randomized cross-over design. Chlorella supplementation resulted in significantly lower average lactate and heart rate during submaximal endurance tests, higher average and peak power during repeated sprint bouts, and increased hemoglobin levels compared to placebo.
Beneficial effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa drink on healthy subjects: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial.
This study explored the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in RAW 267.4 cells and a cross-over clinical trial with 44 healthy subjects. Subjects consuming Chlorella water extract showed improved antioxidant status and reduced oxidative stress and aging markers, suggesting potential anti-aging benefits.
Effects of dietary supplementation with freshwater microalgae on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut health in weaned piglets.
RCT studying dietary supplementation with Spirulina and Chlorella in weaned piglets. Chlorella reduced diarrhoea incidence and improved total tract digestibility and villus height compared to control. Spirulina and Chlorella showed potential effects on intestinal development.
Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 63 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults tested the effects of daily Chlorella consumption (5g/day) on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles. The Chlorella group showed significant improvements in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and carotenoid levels compared to placebo, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.
Beneficial immunostimulatory effect of short-term Chlorella supplementation: enhancement of natural killer cell activity and early inflammatory response (randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial).
This 8-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of 5g Chlorella supplementation on immune response in healthy humans. The Chlorella group showed significant increases in serum concentrations of interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, and NK cell activities compared to the placebo group, suggesting a beneficial immunostimulatory effect.
Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women.
RCT investigating the effects of Chlorella supplementation on pregnancy anemia and PIH in 70 Japanese pregnant women. The Chlorella group showed significantly lower rates of anemia, proteinuria, and edema compared to the control group, suggesting Chlorella's potential benefits for pregnant women's health.
Six-week supplementation with Chlorella has favorable impact on antioxidant status in Korean male smokers.
RCT of 52 Korean male smokers assessing the impact of 6-week Chlorella supplementation on antioxidant status. Chlorella increased plasma vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreased lymphocyte DNA damage, supporting its antioxidant role.
Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT evaluating the effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement on immune response after influenza vaccination in 124 healthy adults aged 50 and above. No significant effect on antibody response was observed in the overall population, though an increase was noted in participants aged 50-55 years. Adverse events were similar between the supplement and placebo groups, except for increased fatigue in the 200 mg supplement group.
A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs at Virginia Commonwealth University assessed chlorella supplementation in patients with fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Chlorella may reduce high blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol, accelerate wound healing, and enhance immune functions.
Conjugation of Macrophage-Mimetic Microalgae and Liposome for Antitumor Sonodynamic Immunotherapy via Hypoxia Alleviation and Autophagy Inhibition.
The study developed surface-engineered chlorella as a targeted drug carrier and oxygen supplier for improved sonodynamic therapy (SDT) against melanoma. The macrophage-mimetic chlorella increased biocompatibility and tumor accumulation, enhancing therapeutic efficacy through hypoxia alleviation and autophagy inhibition.
Effect of chlorella supplementation on systematic symptoms and serum levels of prostaglandins, inflammatory and oxidative markers in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 44 women with primary dysmenorrhea. Chlorella supplementation (1500 mg/day) for eight weeks significantly reduced PGE2, PGF2a, hs-CRP, and MDA levels, and decreased the severity and duration of dysmenorrheal pain and systemic symptoms compared to placebo.
Effect of Chlorella Ingestion on Oxidative Stress and Fatigue Symptoms in Healthy Men.
Double-blind, parallel-arm controlled study of 27 healthy men examining the effects of chlorella ingestion on oxidative stress and fatigue symptoms. Chlorella increased antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde levels under resting conditions, suggesting potential to relieve oxidative stress and enhance fatigue tolerance.
A dietary cholesterol challenge study to assess Chlorella supplementation in maintaining healthy lipid levels in adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessing Chlorella supplementation in maintaining healthy lipid levels during a dietary cholesterol challenge in 34 adults. Chlorella showed a preventive action in maintaining serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels and augmenting HDL-C levels compared to placebo.
Epigenetic modulation of Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) on exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial with 12 healthy females evaluating chlorella-induced epigenetic modulation on exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Chlorella reduced global hypermethylation and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels, suggesting a role in PAH detoxification through epigenetic modulation.
Detoxification of chlorella supplement on heterocyclic amines in Korean young adults.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study assessed the ability of Chlorella vulgaris to detoxify carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in Korean young adults. The study found marginally significant effects of chlorella in reducing urinary MeIQx levels, but no changes in urinary levels of PhIP or IQx-8-COOH.
Efficacy and safety of Chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
RCT evaluating the safety and efficacy of Chlorella supplementation in 18 adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Chlorella was well tolerated and associated with a significant decrease in ALT liver enzyme levels. Improvements in energy levels and general health perception were also reported.
Ingestion of Chlorella reduced the oxidation of erythrocyte membrane lipids in senior Japanese subjects.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the impact of Chlorella supplementation (8 g/day) on erythrocyte membrane lipid oxidation in 12 senior subjects over 2 months. Chlorella increased erythrocyte and plasma lutein concentrations and reduced erythrocyte PLOOH concentrations, suggesting improved antioxidant status and potential prevention of senile dementia.
Chlorella intake attenuates reduced salivary SIgA secretion in kendo training camp participants.
RCT involving 10 female kendo athletes to assess the effect of chlorella-derived supplement on salivary SIgA secretion during training camps. The chlorella group maintained salivary SIgA secretion rates, while the placebo group experienced decreases.
Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study.
A randomized crossover study with 15 men investigated the effects of a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion. After 4 weeks of chlorella ingestion, salivary SIgA concentrations significantly increased, suggesting improved mucosal immune function.
Nutrigenomic studies of effects of Chlorella on subjects with high-risk factors for lifestyle-related disease.
RCT of Chlorella intake on 17 subjects with high-risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases and 17 healthy subjects over 16 weeks. Chlorella intake resulted in reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels. Gene expression analysis indicated activation of insulin signaling pathways, suggesting hypoglycemic effects.
Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplementation decreases dioxin and increases immunoglobulin a concentrations in breast milk.
RCT analyzing dioxin levels and IgA concentrations in breast milk from 35 pregnant women in Japan, with 18 taking Chlorella supplements. Chlorella supplementation significantly reduced dioxin levels and increased IgA concentrations in breast milk, suggesting potential benefits for nursing infants.
Potential antidepressant effects of a dietary supplement from the chlorella and lion's mane mushroom complex in aged SAMP8 mice
Animal study using a complex extract of chlorella and lion's mane mushroom to evaluate antidepressant effects in aged SAMP8 mice. Medium and high doses improved depression behavior, increased BDNF levels, and showed potential as antidepressant health care products.
Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health
Narrative review discussing Chlorella as a dietary supplement with various pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic effects. Meta-analysis suggests Chlorella improves cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.