Anemia generally refers to a reduction in the red blood cell count, hematocrit, or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to symptoms of fatigue and weakness.[1] Chlorophyll has some structural similarities to the heme group of hemoglobin: both molecules share a similar ring structure, but chlorophyll has a magnesium atom in the center of the ring, while heme has an iron atom.[2] Because of this, it was historically thought that chlorophyll supplementation might help treat anemia.
Animal studies using chlorophyll (as SCC) in doses much higher than those typically used in humans have observed improvements in blood parameters, including increased levels of red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin.[3][4] However, one clinical trial in endurance athletes found that SCC had no effect on anemia-related blood parameters.[5] Interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine, a compound called shengxuening (SXN) that is extracted from the excrement of silkworms has been used for various types of anemia with some success. SXN is particularly rich in chlorophyll derivatives, including sodium iron chlorophyllin (SIC) wherein the central magnesium atom is replaced with an iron atom.[6] The iron atom in SIC is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract by the same mechanisms as heme iron, and the chlorophyll derivatives in SXN are also hypothesized to stimulate erythropoetin.[6] Although trials have generally been small and of low methodological quality, research suggests that SXN may be more effective and better-tolerated than oral iron supplements in treating anemia.[7][8]
References
- ^Turner J, Parsi M, Badireddy MAnemiaStatPearls.(2023-01)
- ^Hendry GA, Jones OTHaems and chlorophylls: comparison of function and formation.J Med Genet.(1980-Feb)
- ^Tagauov YD, Abu-Elsaoud AM, Abdrassulova ZT, Tuleukhanov ST, Salybekova NN, Tulindinova G, Al-Abkal FImprovement of Blood Parameters of Male Rats Exposed to Different Injection Doses of Liquid Chlorophyll.Cureus.(2023-Mar)
- ^Jin X, Dai G, Xuan L, Zhang M, Jiang H, Sui YEffects of Sodium Chlorophyllin Copper on APO-1 Expression in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Rats with Aplastic Anaemia.J Immunol Res.(2022)
- ^Cugliari G, Messina F, Canavero V, Biorci F, Ivaldi MRelationship of chlorophyll supplement and platelet-related measures in endurance athletes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studySport Sci Health.(2018 Jun)
- ^Ding L, Xu L, Jin Y, Wei Y, Pan Y, Sattar S, Tan Y, Yang T, Zhou FEfficacy of SXN in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Phase IV Clinical Trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2019)
- ^Zhang L, Zhang W, Jin H, Wang D, Wei N, Wang YEffect and safety of Shengxuening (extract from excrement of bombyxin) for renal anemia: a systematic review.J Tradit Chin Med.(2016-Oct)
- ^Zeng Q, Wang XH, Yang LP, Lang R, Liang Y, Yu RHShengxuening Oral Iron Supplementation for the Treatment of Renal Anemia: A Systematic Review.J Transl Int Med.(2020-Dec)