Reduced Hypertension

• In 2002 the Journal of Medicinal Food published a pilot study in which 24 subjects with mild to moderate hypertension were taken off all hypertensive medications and assigned to 10 grams/day chlorella tablets and 100 ml/day chlorella extract. After 2 months some subjects had stabilization or reductions in diastolic blood pressure.

Hypertension, Fibromyalgia and Ulcerative Colitis

• In 2001 Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine published a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 55 individuals with fibromyalgia, 33 with hypertension and 9 with ulcerative colitis. Results showed that 10 grams of pure chlorella in tablet form and 100 mL of a liquid chlorella extract taken daily for 2 or 3 months improved quality of life in participants through reducing pain, blood pressure and cholesterol and enhancing immune function.

Pain Reduction in Fibromyalgia Sufferers

• In 2000 Phototherapy Research published a pilot study in which 18 fibromyalgia patients consumed 10 grams of chlorella tablets and 100 mL of liquid chlorella daily for 2 months. The result was an average 22 percent decrease in pain sensitivity based on the TPI (tender point index).

High Cholesterol

• In 2008 the Journal of Medicinal Food published a study investigating the effects of 16 weeks of chlorella supplementation on 17 healthy individuals and 17 individuals with high risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases. Both groups showed reductions in cholesterol levels, body-fat percentage and fasting blood glucose.
• In 2014 Nutrition Journal published a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 63 subjects which found that 5 grams of daily chlorella supplementation for a 4-week period produced remarkable changes in total cholesterol levels, with significant decreases in very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol – the most harmful type of cholesterol. Additionally, lutein/zeaxanthin and α-carotene were increased 90 and 164 percent, respectively, compared to a placebo.

Arterial Stiffness

• In 2015 the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition published a double-blind trial in which 32 subjects between the ages of 45 and 75 were assigned to either chlorella or a placebo for 4 weeks. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity tests revealed that chlorella supplementation reduced arterial stiffness while no change was seen in the placebo group.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

•  In 2012 Hepatogastroenterology published a study in which 76 individuals with NAFLD were assigned to either 1200 mg/day chlorella extract with metformin and vitamin E or metformin and vitamin E only for 3 months. Results showed that chlorella supplementation may be a useful complementary therapy for patients with NAFLD due to its favorable effects on lipid levels and insulin.
• In 2014 Health Promotion Prospectives published a double-blind trial in which 60 patients with NAFLD received either 1200 mg/day chlorella with vitamin E or a placebo with vitamin E for 8 weeks. Chlorella improved fasting blood sugar and lipid profile compared to a placebo.

Hepatitis C

• In 2013 the World Journal of Gastroenterology published a study in which 18 adults with hepatitis C supplemented chlorella for 12 weeks. Seventy-seven percent of subjects reported an improvement in energy levels and 85 percent of patients showed a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels – a liver enzyme used as an inflammation marker.

Liver Cancer

• In 2010 Clinics published an in vitro study that found that a chlorella preparation was able to reduce the number viable liver cancer cells.

Breast Cancer

• In 2014 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study in which 36 female breast cancer patients ingested one of two chlorella preparations or a multivitamin daily for one month. Fifty percent of the chlorella group saw improved quality of life, improved dry skin and reduced fatigue.

Depression

• In 2015 Complementary Therapies in Medicine published a 6-week, 92-patient trial in which 1.8 grams of chlorella supplementation per day, when added to standard antidepressant therapy, was more effective in improving the physical and cognitive symptoms of major depressive disorder than standard therapy alone.

Aerobic Endurance

• In 2014 the Journal of Clinical of Biochemistry and Nutrition published a double-blind, cross-over study in which 10 subjects (average age 21 years) were assigned to 15 chlorella tablets or a placebo twice daily for 4 weeks. Results showed that chlorella increased aerobic endurance during maximum intensity cycling intervals by increasing peak oxygen uptake.

Breast Milk

• In 2007 the Journal of Medical Food published a study in which 18 of 35 women took chlorella supplements during pregnancy. Tests showed that chlorella lowered environmental pollutant concentrations and increased antibodies in breast milk.
• In 2014 the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition published a study in which 10 pregnant women received 6 grams of chlorella daily from weeks 16-20 until delivery. Compared to a control group of 10 women, breast milk in the chlorella group had increased concentrations of three important carotenoids that protect against disease – lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene – that were respectively 2.6, 2.7 and 1.7 times higher.
• In 2005 Chemosphere published a study involving 44 women which found that women who consumed chlorella during pregnancy had 30 percent lower dioxin (environmental pollutants) concentrations in breast milk, compared to a control group.

Eye Health

• In 2013 the Journal of Oleo Science published a study of 12 healthy subjects which found that 9 grams/day chlorella supplementation for 2 months increased blood concentrations of lutein (a antioxidant known for promoting eye health) by 400 percent. After one month without chlorella, lutein concentrations returned to base levels.

Immunity During Exercise

• In 2012 Nutrition Journal published a study involving 10 kendo athletes that found that, compared to a placebo, chlorella helped maintain antibody levels (substances that protect the body from sickness) during an athletic training camp (as measured by Salivary SIgA secretion rates).

Immune Function

• In 2012 Nutrition Journal published a double-blind trial in which 46 subjects were assigned to either 5 grams/day chlorella or a placebo for 8 weeks. Results showed chlorella increased concentrations and activity of immune cells, including natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell that kills viruses and cancer cells).

Pregnant women

• In 2010 Plant Food for Human Nutrition published a placebo-controlled trial involving 70 women which found that 6 grams of chlorella per day (supplemented from the 12th – 18th weeks of pregnancy) significantly lowered incidences of anemia (iron deficiency), proteinuria (excess protein in urine) and edema (fluid retention). According to the authors, this result is likely due to chlorella being a natural source of folate, vitamin B-12 and iron.

Smokers

• In 2013 Clinical Laboratory published a study in which 38 smokers were given 3.6 grams/day chlorella for 6 weeks. Results showed that chlorella supplementation markedly improved antioxidant status (vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione) and reduced oxidative stress which, according to the authors, may reduce the disease burden and mortality rate associated with smoking.
• In 2010 Nutrition published a 6-week trial in which 52 smokers aged 20-65 years were given 6.3 grams chlorella or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples drawn before and after the supplementation period showed that chlorella increased vitamin C levels by 44 percent and vitamin E by 15.7 percent while also significantly reducing lymphocyte (white blood cell) DNA damage.

Dementia

• In 2013 the Journal of Oleo Science published a double-blind trial in which 12 older adults were treated with 8 grams/day chlorella for 2 months. Compared to a placebo group, the chlorella group saw increased in red blood cells and plasma lutein (an antioxidant vitamin). Additionally, phospholipid hydroperoxide concentrations – an abnormality in found in dementia patients – were reduced to below baseline levels.

B12 Deficiency in Vegetarians and Vegans

• In 2015 the Journal of Medicinal Food published an open-label study in which 17 vegan or vegetarian adults with known B12 deficiency were given 9 grams chlorella daily for 2 months. Results showed a notable increase in vitamin B12 status. The authors of the study concluded that chlorella is bio-available and natural way to help vegetarians and vegans get sufficient amounts of vitamin B12.