When we look at the great diversity of life around us, it can be difficult to imagine how something so beautiful and complex can be so dependent on elements that seem so simple and commonplace to us as water, sunlight, or the oxygen we breathe. However, the truth is that without these elements, life as we know it on our planet would not be possible. One of the aforementioned elements, oxygen, would not exist to such a great extent in nature if it were not for the emergence and evolution of a small pigment present in plants: chlorophyll .

This pigment is a vital component for the plant because it allows it to survive, and for us because it is largely thanks to it that the photosynthesis that has contributed to enriching our world with the oxygen we need to survive is carried out. And not only that: several studies seem to indicate that chlorophyll, when added to our diet, can also have interesting properties beneficial to our health. Throughout this article we will see a brief commentary on some of these aspects.

What is chlorophyll?

It receives the name of chlorophyll to one of the most relevant types of molecules for the vegetable kingdom, being a capital pigment because it is only thanks to this element that the vegetables can carry out the photosynthesis , something fundamental for their survival. And not only for the plants themselves, but also for all those creatures that need oxygen to survive (including us), given that this photosynthesis is what generates most of the oxygen we breathe.

Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplasts of different types of plants and algae , being the main responsible for the greenish colouring that we capture in these beings. It is also possible to find it in some bacteria.

Chlorophyll molecules are composed of a ring of proteins called porphyrin, which contains magnesium and is mainly responsible for its ability to capture sunlight, and in turn a phytol chain (an alcohol) that keeps it on the membrane and has a hydrophobic performance. Its structure is similar to that of animal hemoglobin , although as we have said the main component of its nucleus is magnesium (instead of the iron found in animals).

In fact, although we tend to think of chlorophyll as something homogeneous, the truth is that we can find different types of it, specifically chlorophylls a, b, c (more common in algae), d and f (the latter two more typical of bacteria).

How does it work in plants?

The role of chlorophyll itself is to absorb sunlight and transmit it to the reaction centre, in a complex photosystem in which elements such as chlorophyll a (which is the only type of chlorophyll that transforms light energy into chemical energy) contribute to generating energy and organic matter, as well as oxygen.

Chlorophyll works as follows: the molecule’s capture of a photon of light will cause the electrons that are part of it to enter a much more energetic and excited state, which can only remain in that state for a short amount of time before transferring the excess energy to another molecule (a transmission that can end up generating the something that as it happens makes the energy end up reaching the parts of the cell that perform the photosynthesis), dissipating it in the form of heat or emitting by itself what we commonly know as fluorescence.

Properties and uses in humans

Chlorophyll is a fundamental substance for the survival of plants, since it allows them to take advantage of sunlight to carry out photosynthesis and generate organic matter, nutrients and energy for the plant itself from carbon dioxide. But the truth is that this pigment is not only beneficial for plants , but several studies suggest (although with different results) that it has a series of interesting properties useful for human beings. Among the properties most frequently cited, despite the fact that the data are not entirely clear, the following are noteworthy.

1. Depurative

One of the best known properties of chlorophyll is that it facilitates a good state of gastrointestinal health, favouring the evacuation and motility of the digestive tract as well as helping to protect the intestinal flora. In addition, it also seems to facilitate the expulsion of heavy elements with toxic potential .

2. Antioxidant and healing

Another interesting property of this substance is its high content of antioxidants, something that favors the fight against free radicals and helps prevent cell damage and aging. In this sense, it is also used in anti-aging products. In addition to this it is commonly used in wound healing , which seems to facilitate.

3. Anti-inflammatory

Several studies seem to indicate that in addition to being an antioxidant, chlorophyll helps to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the effects of inflammation to some extent. In this sense it can help to treat intestinal inflammations or arthritis.

4. Contributes to good circulation

Another of the properties attributed to chlorophyll (although it is debated whether it is real or a myth), partly thanks to its antioxidant, purifying and anti-inflammatory potential , is that of promoting the proper functioning of the blood circulation.

Its magnesium content is said to help increase the production and improve the health of red blood cells, which in turn promotes the body’s oxygenation. Although there is some doubt about the latter, there appears to be more consensus on the fact that it contributes to lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, which undoubtedly promotes circulation and cardiovascular health and reduces the likelihood of problems in the cardiovascular system. It also appears to contribute to alkalinising the blood.

5. Promotes coagulation

In addition to the above, this pigment is rich in vitamin K, a substance that helps the blood to clot and helps to control possible bleeding . This also includes menstruation, which it helps to control.

6. Reduces bad odor

As we can easily observe in many body hygiene products, chlorophyll is often used as a component to make deodorants or even mouthwashes or sprays . This is because it is considered to have the property of reducing body odour, either by combating bad breath or the odour of sweat. It also appears to reduce the bad smell of urine and faeces.

Bibliographic references:

  • Chermonosky, S.; Segelman, A. & Porets, R. (1999). Effect of dietary chlorophyll derivatives on mutagenesis and tumor cell growth. Teratogen Carcinogen Mutagen. 19:313-322.
  • Manrique, E.(2003). Photosynthetic pigments, more than just light capture. Ecosystems, Year XII (1). [Online]. Available at: www.aeet.org/ecosistemas/031/informe4.htm
  • Subramoniam, A., Asha, V.V., Nair, S.A., Sasidharan, S.P., Sureshkumar, P.K., Rajendran, K.N., Karunagaran, D. & Ramalingam, K. (2012). Chlorophyll Revisited: Actividades antiinflamatorias de la clorofila a e inhibición de la expresión del gen TNF-α por la misma. Inflamación, 35 (3): 959-966.